FORCIBLE ENTRY, is a violent and actual entry into houses, or lands; and a forcible detainer, is where one by violence with-holds the possession of lands, &c. so that the person who has a right of entry is barred, or hindered, therefrom.
At common law, any person that had a right to enter into lands, &c. might retain possession of it by force. But this liberty being abused, to the breach of the peace, it was therefore found necessary that the same should be restrained: Though, at this day, he who is wrongfully dispossessed of goods may by force retake them. By statute, no persons shall make an entry on any lands or tenements, except where it is given by law, and in a peaceable manner, even tho' they have title of entry, on pain of imprisonment: and where a forcible entry is committed, justices of peace are authorized to view the place, and inquire of the force by a jury, summoned by the sheriff of the county; and they may cause the tenements &c. to be restored, and imprison the offenders till they pay a fine. Likewise a writ of forcible entry lies, where a person seized of freehold, is by force put out thereof.