Soroush Sharafzadeh

Law 12

MAGNA CARTA

WHAT IS THE MAGNA CARTA?

he Magna Carta is an English charter, originally written in Latin, issued in 1215

ery important influence on the law today

he Magna Carta was the first document to be pressed upon King John of England.

Feudal Barons captured and eventually forced him to agree with the charter

he Magna Carta required King John to lose certain rights. The charter stated that

even the king is not above the law, and that he would not be able to interfere with

the Catholic Church.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE ?

he purpose of the Magna Carta was to curb the King and make him govern by the

Old English laws.

he Magna Carta Demonstrated that the power of the King could be limited with a

written Grant.

he Magna Carta guaranteed that the Church would be free from royal interference.

he Magna Carta also insured that no one could be imprisoned until given a trial.

(Habeas corpus)

King John (1166-1216) was often ridiculed by his citizens as a very weak king. He received the nickname “Soft Sword”

Not a very honest king, lost many Battles and land in France. His disputes with the pope and Increase in taxes had all his citizensOutraged. It was only a matter of time before angry barons took action.

High class nobles and barons had imprisoned the King John in 1215.

King John kept denying the Great Charter, but was eventually forced into signing it.

The Magna Carta was arguable the most important early document ever.

First Step towards true democracy by bringing forth idea of equity. ( no one is above the law)

It guaranteed political, religious, and individual rights for everyone.

One of the last remaining photosof the Magna Carta

∗ The Magna Carta does influence Canada’s constitution, but not directly.

∗ Since Canada was once originally part of the British Empire, most of Canada’s laws have grown from British law and British common law roots.

∗ The Magna Carta, In spirit, impacts and influences Canada’s constitution.

The Magna Carta & Canada

Video • This video will summarize, in depth, the relationship between

The Magna Carta and King John.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUVnpe8uffs

Enjoy!

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

• http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/magna-carta.htm

• http://www.bcrevolution.ca/magna_carta.htm

Thank you for watching !

THE END