Powers of a King

Divine Rule?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 1.The Magna Carta is Latin for “Great Charter.” 2.It is a document that was sealed by King John of England on June 15, In this document King John promised to deal with his people according to the laws of the day. 4.Over the course of time, these promises made in the Magna Carta have required governments in England to follow the law in dealing with their citizens.

CONTENTS OF THE CHARTER 1.The Magna Carta contains 63 clauses. 2.The two most important clauses have to do with the law. 3.Clause 40 promises, “To no one will we sell, to no one will we deny or delay right or justice.” This clause establishes the principle of equal access to the courts for all citizens without outrageous fees.

CONTENTS OF THE CHARTER 4.In clause 39, the king promises, “No free man shall be taken or imprisoned or outlawed or exiled or in any way destroyed, nor will we go or send against him, except by the lawful judgment of his peers or by the law of the land.” This clause establishes that the king would follow legal procedure before he punished someone.

THE IMPACT OF THE CHARTER 1.The importance of the Magna Carta is in its symbolism rather than its words. 2.It is the first legal document that limited the power of a king. 3.It has led to such rights as: Habeas corpus (A right to a trial) A trial by jury No taxation without representation Due process of the law

Major changes from previous legal system? Now the King must follow laws like everyone else!