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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 Living Legacy

Magna Carta's original clauses addressed medieval grievances — feudal dues, forest law, fish weirs. But its principle — that the king is subject to law — transcended its time.

Documents Inspired by Magna Carta

Petition of Right (1628)
Parliament reminded Charles I that even kings are bound by law

Habeas Corpus Act (1679)
The right to challenge unlawful detention, rooted in Clause 39

English Bill of Rights (1689)
Limited royal power, established parliamentary sovereignty

Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
George Mason drew directly from Magna Carta

Declaration of Independence (1776)
Jefferson's grievances echo the barons' complaints

U.S. Constitution (1787)
Due process, jury trial, and limited government

Fifth Amendment (1791)
'No person shall... be deprived of life, liberty, or property'

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
Articles 9-11 trace to Clauses 39-40

The American Founders and Magna Carta

Benjamin Franklin: 'An example to all princes of the good they may do, and the fame they may acquire, by a just and benevolent treatment of their people.'

Thomas Jefferson: Kept a copy of Magna Carta at Monticello as inspiration

John Adams: Called Magna Carta 'The Ark of the Covenant' of liberty

James Madison: Studied Magna Carta while drafting the Bill of Rights

The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states:

"No person shall... be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law."

Eight hundred years later, Clause 39 still speaks.