Influence in the Colonies - 06/15/25

Writs of Assistance

Allowed British officers to search colonists' homes for smuggled goods

Reason for Writs

British Crown created them to reduce illegal trade in the colonies

When Writs were used

First introduced in 1767

Writs result

Caused tension; colonists felt their rights were violated

Court system before 1760s

Benefited colonists with juries and fair trials

New court system

British created Vice Admiralty Courts with judges only (no jury)

Vice Admiralty Courts

British

Colonial reaction

Colonists felt powerless; this increased rebellion

Trade law changes (1763)

Colonists were only allowed to trade with England

Smuggling

Colonists smuggled goods from other countries to avoid trade laws

Effect of Writs

British officials could search, arrest, and try colonists unfairly

Why this matters

British control over trade and courts led to more colonial resistance