USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The writs of assistance were issued by the Court of Exchequer to help customs officials search for smuggled goods. These writs were called “writs of assistance” because they called upon sheriffs, other officials, and loyal subjects to “assist” the customs official in carrying out his duties.

Detailed explanation-2: -Writs of assistance were general search warrants that British American courts began issuing to empower customs officials to combat smuggling.

Detailed explanation-3: -Writs of Assistance: A search warrant that allowed British officers to enter colonial homes or businesses to search for smuggled goods.

Detailed explanation-4: -In 1760, governor Bernard of Massachusetts authorized the use by revenue officers of writs of assistance. Writs of assistance were documents which served as a general search warrant, allowing customs officials to enter any ship or building that they suspected for any reason might hold smuggled goods.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Writs of Assistance were court orders issued in 1761 that allowed British customs officials to spontaneously search the property of anyone suspected of smuggling, including the forceful entry into locked rooms, chests, etc.