Magna Carta (1215)

  • King John was relatively weak
  • The barons were relatively strong
  • The barons asserted the Magna Carta (Great Charter) onto King John
  • Adds limits onto the King’s power, moving towards limited government
  • Intended to protect the rights of the barons, not all people

Clauses

  • Demanded due process
    • habeas corpus:

      No Freeman shall be taken or imprisoned, or be disseized of his Freehold, or Liberties, or free Customs, or be outlawed, or exiled, or any other wise destroyed; nor will We not pass upon him, nor condemn him, but by lawful judgment of his Peers, or by the Law of the land.

    • Right to a fair trial
  • Asserts the Rule of Law, even onto the King
  • The King cannot impose tax without consent from the barons
    • Parliament has the right to impose taxation
  • Citizens have control over their own property
  • Creates an assembly that represents the people (the barons)
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