Essay On Magna Carta

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The Magna Carta

On June 15th, 1215, in a field at Runnymede, King John and the Barons signed The Magna Carta. This was a royal charter drawn up by the barons to insure King John would treat them fairly and equally. This document consisted of political rights and a series of written promises. When the Barons made this document it was there attempt to stop the King from possessing too much power and abusing it.
Now why someone in such power as King John agree to this? He ruled during the begging of the 13th century. He was not liked upon his people for many reasons. He was very unsuccessful in several battles, this made him appear weak. In 1204 King John and the Barons had an agreement of feudal law and accepted customs. The Barons provided King John with money and soldiers to defend his land in France. King John also had to consult with the Barons when he wanted to raise taxes for more money and troops. When King John lost his hand in France, less money came to England through taxes. After this he immediately raised the taxes on the people without consulting the Barons, once he did this he violated their feudal law. Although, this was not the first time that he had raised or even created taxes, the Barons were still immensely upset with King John; especially after all they had done for him.
King John also angered the Church of England by acting against customs and the Popes wishes. He appointed someone other than the Pope’s choice to be the archbishop of Canterbury. When King John did this he angered the Pope and caused many problems. King John gave the Pope the Kingdom of England and paid him rent to continue to stay there in order to be back on the Pope’s good side. When King John did this he angered the Baro...

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...treatise on English common law: William Blackstone’s (1723-1780) Commentaries on the Laws of England. In American law, Blackstone’s work now functions as the definitive source for common law precedents prior to the existence of the United States. (4)”

Sources:
(1) http://www.lawteacher.net/administrative-law/essays/the-magna-carta-and-english-law-administrative-law-essay.php
(2) http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/magna_carta.htm
(3) http://www.constitution.org/eng/magnacar.htm
(4) http://www.law.berkeley.edu/library/robbins/CommonLawCivilLawTraditions.html
(5) http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured_documents/magna_carta/
(6) http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-1_u-105_t-279_c-929/causes-and-effects-of-the-magna-carta/nsw/hsie/introduction-to-democracy/democratic-development
(7) http://www.historyextra.com/feature/magna-carta-turning-point-english-history
(8)

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