<P> A writ of assistance is a written order ( a writ ) issued by a court instructing a law enforcement official , such as a sheriff or a tax collector , to perform a certain task . Historically , several types of writs have been called `` writs of assistance '' . Most often , a writ of assistance is `` used to enforce an order for the possession of lands '' . When used to evict someone from real property , such a writ is also called a writ of restitution or a writ of possession . In the area of customs , writs of assistance were first authorized by an act of the English Parliament in 1660 ( 12 Charles 2 c. 29 ) , and 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 . </P>
<P> A writ of assistance is a written order ( a writ ) issued by a court instructing a law enforcement official , such as a sheriff or a tax collector , to perform a certain task . Historically , several types of writs have been called `` writs of assistance '' . Most often , a writ of assistance is `` used to enforce an order for the possession of lands '' . When used to evict someone from real property , such a writ is also called a writ of restitution or a writ of possession . In the area of customs , writs of assistance were first authorized by an act of the English Parliament in 1660 ( 12 Charles 2 c. 29 ) , and 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 . </P>
what act did the british add the writs of assistance to
what act did the british add the writs of assistance to
12 Charles 2 c. 29
12 Charles 2 c. 29