Magna Carta or Magna Carta Libertatum

1
Magna Carta or Magna Carta Libertatum
Great Charter or Great Charter of Freedoms

• To no one will we sell, or deny, or delay, right
  or justice. 40

2
Overview

• Was 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), and
  that is a single static document, which these are
  false beliefs.
• 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  repealed for English Law.

3
Events Leading to the Magna Carta

• King John leader of England, lost much land and
  respect from French Barons.
• King John lost land and battles to the French

4
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 interdict on the church to prevent
  worship in England in 1208.
• The pope then excommunicated John, and backed
  Philip to invade England in 1212.

5
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.

6
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 many centuries following the document it
  was modified to fit the changing times but the
  basic clauses are still in the document today.

7
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.

8
Influence

• 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.

9
A Magna Carta Draft