The Magna Carta

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The Magna Carta, or 'Great Charter,' has been hailed as a 'sacred text' of liberty in the Western World. It is widely regarded as one of the most important and revered legal documents in history; it is a document that was forced upon English King John by his barons at Runnymedeˡ (Linebaugh 6). It is today the basic foundation of the constitution law of England2 (Sommerville Web). For over seven centuries, the English have eulogized the Magna Carta as not only the foundation of freedom but also their earliest and best protection against arbitrary governmental interference with individual liberty. According to the Guardian Newspaper issue of June 1st, 1956, Lord Alfred Denning during the service commemorating the Magna Carta’s 150th year anniversary is said to have described the Charter as “the greatest constitutional document of all times- the foundation of the freedom of the individual against the arbitrary authority of the despot.” So what exactly is the Magna Carta and how did it come into being? This paper will explore and examine the birth of the Great Charter, the events surrounding its proclamation, as well as look into its revision of history, and impact and influence to the society then and now.

In the Beginning

King John was the younger brother of Richard the Lionhearted, the predecessor king considered as a hero for his military leadership and exploits. He and his brother, and earlier kings ruled during a time of feudalism when barons’ title to their lands arose from being 'in fee' or obligated

to the king in several ways. The problem was that this feudal system was open to abuse by any non-benevolent king3 (The Text).

Barons swore obedience and loyalty and provided knights for military service as needed.

Durin...

... middle of paper ...

...and Commons for All. University of California Press, 2009. Print.

Pallister, Anne. Magna Carta: The Heritage of Liberty. Oxford University Press, Ely House, 1971. Print.

"Magna Carta." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2012. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/356831/Magna-Carta

Sommerville, J.P. Magna Carta. Web. l2 April 2012. http://faculty.history.wisc.edu/sommerville/123/123%20115%20Magna%20Carta.htm

The Text of Magna Carta. Web. l2 April 2012. http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/magnacarta.asp

VI. Elaboration. Web. l2 April 2012. http://vi.uh.edu/pages/bob/elhone/Magna.html

Woolf, Lord. Magna Carta: A Precedent for Recent Constitutional Change. 15 June 2005. Web. l2 April 2012. http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/media/speeches/2005/magna-carta-precedent-recent-constitutional-change

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