MAGNA CARTA 1215

By: Brandon Clarke

Overview

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

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 By the 19th century most of the clauses have been repealed for English Law.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. A slave to John, his ally Phillip named Arthur to

the throne of Anjou. They then invaded John’s French land holdings. To save face John killed Arthur and lost the

respect of many of the French Barons. John was defeated by his allies at the Battle of

Bouvines where he lost all his northern French territory.

Events Leading to the Magna Carta

Problems with the Church In the debate of how to choose a Archbishop of

Canterbury, John sent the Bishop of Norwich instead of one of the monks they elected.

Pope Innocent III declared this as invalid and had the monks elect Stephen Langton, but King John refused this and exiled monks from the land.

He then put a halt on the church to prevent worship in England in 1208.

The pope then excommunicated John, and backed Philip to invade England in 1212.

John, threatened by the monks gave back their theifdom* by giving them land in England, and Ireland making them pay 1,000 marks annually to do so. This angered the Barons

* The fact or practice of thieving

Events Leading to the Magna Carta

Taxes During this time the government needed money,

since mercenary soldiers cost double in prosperity times.

The loss of a great mass of the French lands equals less income, which later resulted in greater taxes.

Gave rise to the amount of scutage* to pay eleven times in only seven years.

John also imposed the first income tax which was at high sums of 60,000 Euros.

*A tax paid in lieu of military service in feudal times.

Events leading to the Magna Carta

Rebellion Getting frustrated with listening to King John

during the time, they gave up rise. By 1215, many barons of England banded

together at London by force on June 10, 1215. Made King John sign a document called the

“Articles of the Barons,” which his seal was attached in Runnymede on June 15, 1215.

After John signed this document the barons then renewed their oaths to the king.

John of England signs 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 has a monarch.

In the centuries following the document it was modified to fit the changing times but the basic clauses are still in the document today.

Original Magna Carta

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 on today

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 one of the most important legal documents in the history of Democracy.

1297 copy of the Magna Carta, owned by the Australian Government

Bibliography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magna_Carta

http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/medieval/magframe.htm