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Simple English definitions for legal terms
assistance, writ of
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A quick definition of assistance, writ of:
A writ of assistance is a legal order that allows a person, usually an officer of the law, to enter and search a property suspected of containing illegal items. This writ was used in colonial America to search for contraband goods. However, its attempted use in Massachusetts in 1761 was one of the events that led to the American Revolution. In modern times, a writ of assistance can also be used to enforce a court's decision regarding the transfer of real property.
A more thorough explanation:
A writ of assistance is a legal order issued by a court that allows an officer to enter and search a property suspected of containing contraband. This writ has a historical significance in colonial America as it was used by the Crown to enforce its laws and collect debts.
- In colonial America, a superior colonial court could issue a writ of assistance to an officer of the Crown to search any premises suspected of containing contraband.
- A writ of assistance could also be used to enforce a court's decree transferring real property, the title of which has been previously adjudicated.
- Historically, the Court of Exchequer could issue a writ of assistance ordering the sheriff to assist in collecting a debt owed to the Crown.
These examples illustrate how a writ of assistance could be used for different purposes, such as enforcing court orders or collecting debts. However, the use of this writ in colonial America was controversial and contributed to the tensions that led to the American Revolution.