Facts
The King's messengers broke into Entick's house under a warrant from a Secretary of State and took his papers.
Issue
Can officials enter land without lawful authority?
Held
The messengers were liable in . The warrant had no legal basis.
Principle
Every unauthorised entry on another's land is a trespass, even by state officials, unless the law clearly allows it.
Why it matters
A foundation of the and of trespass to land.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Entick v Carrington (1765) 19 St Tr 1029; 95 ER 807 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/entick-v-carrington> accessed 31 October 2026
The accessed date is today's date. Check your course or publisher's style guide.
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.