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The Charter

A meditation on Magna Carta and the foundations of liberty

Today Key Clauses History Legacy Surviving Copies Meditate About

The Charter Today

Saturday, 2026 — Day 255 of the year

It has been 811 years since King John sealed Magna Carta at Runnymede.

"A king's promise, broken by a king, kept by the people"

Featured: Clause 39

Clause XXXIX No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any way, nor will we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgment of his equals, or by the law of the land,

In essence: No one may be imprisoned, stripped of rights, or punished except by fair trial and established law. This is the foundation of 'due process.'

811

Years Since 1215

Original Clauses

Surviving Copies

Clauses Still Law