Why did Jame Otis oppose writ of assistance?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Otis,_Jr.

It only says that he argued against it for five hours in the state house. It doesn't explain why he opossed it?

You must have overlooked the introduction to this article.

"James Otis, Jr. (February 5, 1725 – May 23, 1783) was a lawyer in colonial Massachusetts, a member of the Massachusetts provincial assembly, and an early advocate of the Patriot views against British injustice that led to the American Revolution. His catchphrase "Taxation without Representation is Tyranny" became the basic Patriot position."

James Otis opposed the writs of assistance in colonial America due to concerns about their violation of individual rights and liberties. The writs of assistance were general search warrants that allowed British officials to search any property they suspected of housing smuggled goods, without any specific evidence or reason. Otis argued that these writs violated the natural rights of individuals, such as protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, which were guaranteed by English common law.

To understand why James Otis opposed the writs of assistance, it is important to dive into the historical context and the events that led to his opposition. Here's how you can explore this further:

1. Research colonial America and the British Empire: Familiarize yourself with the relationship between the American colonies and the British Empire during the 18th century. Explore topics such as trade, taxation, and the attempts of the British government to exert control over the colonies.

2. Study the origins of the writs of assistance: Look into the background and purpose of the writs of assistance. Understand how these search warrants were introduced as a means for British officials to combat smuggling in the colonies.

3. Examine James Otis' argument: Read primary sources, such as Otis' speeches and pamphlets, to understand his specific objections to the writs of assistance. Pay attention to his appeals to natural rights, English common law, and the concept of individual liberties.

4. Reflect on the broader significance: Consider the broader implications of Otis' opposition to the writs of assistance. Think about how his arguments laid the foundation for future debates regarding individual rights and the role of government control in the American colonies, eventually influencing the development of the American Revolution.

By following these steps, you will gain a deeper understanding of James Otis' opposition to the writs of assistance and the ideas that fueled the resistance against British authority in colonial America.