Legal Term: BREAKING DOORS

Definition: The act of forcibly removing the fastenings of a house, so that a person may enter.

2. It is a maxim that every mans house is his castle, and it is protected from every unlawful invasion. An officer having a lawful process, of a criminal nature, authorizing him to do so, may break an outer door, if upon making a demand of admittance it is refused. The house may also be broken open for the purpose of executing a writ of habere facias possessionem. 5 Co. 93, Bac. Ab. Sheriff, N 3.

3. The house protects the owner from the service of all civil process in the first instance, but not, if once lawfully arrested, he takes refuge in his own house, in that case the officer may pursue him, and break open any door for the Purpose. Foster, 320, 1 Rolles R. 138 Cro. Jac. 555. Vide Door, House.

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