The Magna Carta (also known as Magna Carta Libertatum) is a medieval charter signed by King John of England on June 15, 1215. It’s considered one of the most important documents in the history of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Key Provisions
1. *Protection of individual rights*: The Magna Carta established the principle that the king was not above the law and that individuals had rights that could not be arbitrarily taken away.
2. *Limitations on the power of the monarch*: The charter restricted the king’s ability to raise taxes, wage war, and dispense justice without the consent of his barons and the common council.
3. *Due process and trial by jury*: The Magna Carta introduced the concept of due process, ensuring that individuals would not be punished without a fair trial.
4. *Protection of the church and its liberties*: The charter safeguarded the rights and freedoms of the church.
Influence and Legacy
1. *English Bill of Rights (1689)*: The Magna Carta influenced the development of the English Bill of Rights, which further solidified individual liberties.
2. *American Constitution and Bill of Rights*: The Magna Carta’s principles of due process, trial by jury, and protection of individual rights inspired the US Constitution and Bill of Rights.
3. *Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)*: The Magna Carta’s emphasis on individual rights and the rule of law influenced the development of modern human rights documents.
Preservation and Commemoration
1. *Original copies*: Only four original copies of the Magna Carta from 1215 survive, housed in the British Library and Salisbury Cathedral.
2. *Anniversaries and commemorations*: The Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary in 2015 was celebrated globally, highlighting its enduring significance in the development of democracy and human rights.