Magna Carta
The Magna Carta is an English document created by the barons during King John’s rule in 1215. Up until
this point, English kings had been able to rule without limitations, as they claimed to have been given
absolute power by God. This document forced the King to follow the same laws as their subjects, which
was a huge step towards equality for all citizens under the law.
The Magna Carta is a collaboration that includes 37 old English laws. However, many new laws were
created to show the new limitations of the power of the king.
Reasons
Unlike most past English kings, King John was extremely unsuccessful in his military campaigns. In order
to pay for the wars, John raised taxes without consulting his barons, against common custom. In response,
the barons rebelled and forced John to sign the Magna Carta, and give up some of his power.
The Magna Carta stands for freedom, that the people have certain rights that cannot be taken away by
anyone, and it stands for the only real true rule of law; that no one, not even a king, is above the law. It still
has major influence on our legal system today, and has ensured equality for all citizens under the law.
A total of 25 barons, 13 bishops, and 20 abbots were party to the signing of the Magna Carta. The barons
accepted the responsibility of ensuring that King John followed the clauses of the Magna Carta.
What it included
•John was required to be less harsh on the barons.
•All people would have access to courts, regardless of wealth.
•No one could be imprisoned without first going through the legal system.
•John was forced to put his seal on the document, so that it would be taken more seriously.
Surviving clauses
Only three clauses of the original Magna Carta are still in effect today.
- The Church of England shall be free and maintain all of its rights and liberties.
- The City of London shall keep all of its old customs and liberties.
- No one shall be imprisoned or have their rights taken away without a trial.
Relevance in today’s legal system
There are two main points of the Magna Carta that are still relevant today:
•Firstly, the fact that everyone is equal under the law is very important in our legal system today.
What once applied to kings still applies to our politicians. It ensures that no person can gain
unlimited power in our society.
•The other part of the Magna Carta that still carries heavy influence is the rule that no person shall
be imprisoned or judged without a fair trial. This has become the basis for our legal system, and
gives everyone a chance to attempt to prove their innocence.