"MAY it please your Honors: I was desired by one of the court to look into the books, and consider the question now before them concerning Writs of Assistance"

This quote is from James Otis, a lawyer and political activist in colonial America. In this quote, he is resolving a court and notifying them that he was asked to look into the books and consider the question of Writs of Assistance. Writs of Assistance were legal files that permitted British customizeds officers to browse any home they thought of including smuggled goods. Otis protested these files, as he believed they violated the rights of the colonists. He was arguing that the court should not give these Writs of Assistance, as they would be a violation of the colonists' rights. This quote reveals Otis' devotion to protecting the rights of the colonists and his determination to combat for them in court. It likewise shows his commitment to justice and his belief that the court should not give Writs of Assistance.