"... writs of assistance were general search warrants that enabled British customs officials to search any premises that they suspected might contain smuggled goods and to command other officials or private citizens to assist in carrying out these searches. Officials did not have to present evidence of their suspicion to a court, nor did they have to specify the place to be searched or the goods to be seized," writes guest author Gabrielle Weatherbee. want to write for Being Libertarian? CLICK HERE: www.beinglibertarian.com/contribute/