magna carta

• The Magna Carta established the principle that everyone is subject to the law, even the king.
• The Magna Carta was signed by King John on June 15, 1215.
• The Magna Carta also guaranteed certain rights such as freedom from imprisonment without trial, protection against unlawful arrest or detention, and the right to a fair trial.
• what is the magna carta?

  a document signed by king john in 1215 that states the monarchy and government is not above the law
• what did the barons do after king john refused to obey the law?

  they captured london until king john was forced to negotiate with them
• what did king john do to the barons if they refused to pay?

  he punished them severely or took away their property
• what did king john do to get enough money to pay for expensive foreign wars?

  he imposed heavy taxes on the barons (wealthy men)
• what is the importance of the magna carta?

  it caused the development of rights today - it is the core of most human right declerations
• Key principles in the Magna Carta

  • Acknowledge the rights of individuals
  • Limit the powers of the monarchy
  • Fairness and limits to taxation
  • All individuals should have access to justice and a fair trial
  • No one is above the law
• Church could appoint its own bishop and archbishop


  Free from interference from the king
• King could not demand taxes

  1. All regions have to pay the same tax

  2. Agreement from barons and bishops required
• King could not put barons on trial in secret

  Free men couldn't be imprisoned without a fair trial
• Everybody was subject to the law, including the king