Magna Carta or Magna Carta Libertatum “Great Charter” or “Great Charter of Freedoms” To no one will we sell, or deny, or delay, right or justice. [40]

Overview Was originally created in 1215 because of disagreements between Pope Innocent III, King John, and English barons about the rights of the king. Been known to be first document that limit the power of the English king by law (based of a document called the Charters of Liberties), and that is a single static document, which these are false beliefs. The Magna Carta has had influence outside of England, especially with the United States Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Basically almost every common law state has been influenced by the Magna Carta. Making it one of the most important legal documents in the history of democracy. The document has been renewed throughout the Middle Ages through the 18th century. By the 19th century most of the clauses have been repealed for English Law.

Events Leading to the Magna Carta King John leader of England, lost much land and respect from French Barons. King John had problems with the Church (who was responsible for selecting church officials) Higher Taxes due to the loss of French lands so John could pay his mercenary army. Tired of his rule, many Barons rebelled against the King and forced him to sign the Magna Carta.

The Magna Carta Originally named “Articles of the Barons” which was reissued a year later, and officially dubbed the title the Magna Carta. Was written originally in Latin. King John had no plans to honor the Magna Carta, since it was sealed under extortion by force, but clause 61 neutered his power as a monarch. In the many centuries following the document it was modified to fit the changing times but the basic clauses are still in the document today.

What the Magna Carta did? Firstly, the Magna Carta guaranteed the freedom of the English Church. Not to be able to over tax the population. King John must be less harsh on the barons. Gave England the basis of a legal system. Promised to have laws that are good and fair. No Freeman would be punished without going through a proper trial.

Influence The Magna Carta gave the basis of how Constitutional Law is today. Has influenced the United States greatly which is seen in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Just about all common law has been affected by the Magna Carta, making it it one of the most important legal documents in the history of Democracy.

A Magna Carta Draft

Bibliography Wikipedia. 2006. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 28 October 2006. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magna_Carta> Coffin, Judith, and Robert Stacey. Western Civilizations. New York, London: W W Norton & Company. The Avalon Project. 2006. Yale Law School. 29 October 2006. <http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/medieval/magframe.htm> Pictures 1. Wikipedia. 2006. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 28 October 2006. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magna_Carta>