The Writs of Assistance allowed customs officials to search homes without warrants. Which passage from James Otis’s speech against the Writs of Assistance best showcases the potential for tyranny within the Writs of Assistance?(1 point)

Question

Responses

A) “I have taken more pains in this cause, than I ever will take again, although my engaging in this and another popular cause has raised much resentment.”

A) “I have taken more pains in this cause, than I ever will take again, although my engaging in this and another popular cause has raised much resentment.”

B) “The words are, ‘It shall be lawful for any person or persons authorized,” etc. What a scene does this open! Every man, prompted by revenge, ill humor, or wantonness, to inspect the inside of his neighbor’s house, may get a writ of assistance. Others will ask it from self-defence; one arbitrary exertion will provoke another, until society be involved in tumult and in blood.’”

B) “The words are, ‘It shall be lawful for any person or persons authorized,” etc. What a scene does this open! Every man, prompted by revenge, ill humor, or wantonness, to inspect the inside of his neighbor’s house, may get a writ of assistance. Others will ask it from self-defence; one arbitrary exertion will provoke another, until society be involved in tumult and in blood.’”

C) “Your honors will find in the old books concerning the office of a justice of the peace, precedents of general warrants to search suspected houses.”

C) “Your honors will find in the old books concerning the office of a justice of the peace, precedents of general warrants to search suspected houses.”

D) “But I think I can sincerely declare, that I cheerfully submit myself to every odious name for conscience’s sake; and from my soul I despise all those, whose guilt, malice, or folly has made them my foes.”

D) “But I think I can sincerely declare, that I cheerfully submit myself to every odious name for conscience’s sake; and from my soul I despise all those, whose guilt, malice, or folly has made them my foes.”

Answer 1

The passage that best showcases the potential for tyranny within the Writs of Assistance is:

B) “The words are, ‘It shall be lawful for any person or persons authorized,” etc. What a scene does this open! Every man, prompted by revenge, ill humor, or wantonness, to inspect the inside of his neighbor’s house, may get a writ of assistance. Others will ask it from self-defence; one arbitrary exertion will provoke another, until society be involved in tumult and in blood.’”

This passage highlights the dangers of allowing individuals to search others' homes without just cause, illustrating how it can lead to chaos and tyranny in society.