The Magna Carta

THE MAGNA CARTA

June the 15th, 1215

Magna Carta, meaning ‘The Great Charter’, is one of the most famous documents in the world; it establishes for the first time the principle that everybody, including the king, is subject to the law. Most of the 63 clauses granted by King John deal with specific grievances relating to his rule. If you want to know more about why the King took this decision, watch our video!

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Magna Carta: the foundation of freedom

What is the most famous clause?

Most famously, the 39th clause gave all ‘free men’ the right to justice and a fair trial.

What is Magna Carta?

Magna Carta Libertatum is a royal charter of rights agreed on 15 June 1215.

How many clauses does Magna Carta have?

There are 63 clauses granted by King John dealt with specific grievances relating to his rule.

What does Magna Carta say?

new principles established:

• It contained 63 clauses when it first granted and 3 of those remain part of the english law
• third clause gave all free men the right to justice and fair trial
• the regulation of the justice system
• medieval taxes with no modern equivalent

Other main contents of the clauses of Magna Carta:

• specific grievances regarding the ownership of land
• no taxes could be demanded without the "general consent of the realm"
• widows were not forced to remarry against their wishes

Why does magna Carta matter today?

• It provided a new framework for the relationship between the King and his subjects.

• Three clauses of the 1225 Magna Carta remain on the statute book today.

• It has become a potent, international rallying cry against the arbitrary use of power

Was Magna Carta effective in the short term?

Pope Innocent III was alarmed by the charter’s terms, and on 24 August 1215 he issued a document known as a papal bull, describing Magna Carta as ‘illegal, unjust, harmful to royal rights and shameful to the English people’, and declaring the charter ‘null and void of all validity for ever’.

In September 1215, civil war broke out between King John and his barons. Magna Carta was effectively dead, but it gained new life in the early years of the reign of the next king, Henry III.

What was the long-term impact of Magna Carta?

Revised versions of Magna Carta were issued by King Henry III (in 1216, 1217 and 1225), and the text of the 1225 version was entered onto the statute roll in 1297.

When King Charles was himself put on trial in 1649, it was argued that his attempts to halt the proceedings contravened the clause of Magna Carta which prohibited the delay of justice. Magna Carta has consequently acquired a special status as the cornerstone of English liberties.

Magna Carta 1216

Magna Carta 1297

Magna Carta 1215

Magna Carta 1225

Summary

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What is the Magna Carta?

What does Magna Carta say?

The magna carta

Why does magna Carta matter today?

What was the long-term impact of Magna Carta?

Was Magna Carta effective in the short term?

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The magna carta in the course of time

Thanks for the attention!

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Work done by: Anna Tambone Benedetta Ansalone Maria Elena Iodice

Sources: The British Library, BBC