Magna Carta: The Great Charter

Introduction

• Magna Carta: Medieval document known as the 'Great Charter'.
• Established fundamental legal principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law.
• Granted in 1215.

Historical Significance

• Legal Education: First law studied by all English lawyers when printed.
• Shakespeare: Omitted in his play about King John.

Influence in England

• 1600s: English lawyers used it to challenge King Charles I.
  • King had power to ignore parliament and imprison opposition.
  • Sir Edward Coke: Drafted the Petition of Right to limit the king’s powers.

Influence in America

• Colonial Laws: Basis for many American colonial laws.
• 1770s: Became a symbol of American liberty.
  • Principles reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.

Influence in Britain

• 18th Century: Used to protest censorship of the press.
  • John Wilkes: Imprisoned for insulting King George III, used Magna Carta for his defense.
  • Became a symbol against the threat to English liberties.

Social Movements

• 1800s: Chartists, inspired by Magna Carta, campaigned for voting rights for all men.
• Early 1900s: Suffragettes used it to advocate for women's voting rights.

Influence Worldwide

• Gandhi: Fought for Indian settlers' freedom in South Africa, described the document as 'the Magna Carta of our liberty'.
• Nelson Mandela: Admired Magna Carta in his speech against South African oppression.

Modern Influence

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Post-WWII, protects fundamental human rights globally.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt: Called it the 'international Magna Carta'.

Legacy

• Although few original clauses remain in English law, Magna Carta continues to inspire global movements for rights and freedoms.
• Enduring Symbol: Influences modern human rights and democratic principles.