Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

writ-of-assistance

noun

/ˈrɪt əv əˈsɪstəns/

Definition

A writ of assistance is a court order that allows law enforcement officials to inspect and seize property without needing specific warrants for each search.

Examples

The customs officers showed a writ of assistance to search the cargo ship.
During the colonial period, writs of assistance were used to enforce British trade laws.
The company challenged the validity of the writ of assistance in court.

Meaning

This legal document grants authorities broad powers to search premises, particularly in cases related to customs enforcement. It essentially serves as a blanket permission for searches, typically seen as controversial due to concerns over privacy rights.