In 5 pages the significance as well as the legal, social, intellectual, and implications of the Magna Carta are examined. Three sources are cited in the bibliography.
Name of Research Paper File: JL5_JLmagna.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
centuries been considered as one of the most important documents in English history, it was in fact more in the nature of a gambit played by King John in order
to stall for time, given that he was aware that whatever action he took, there would inevitably be conflict between himself and the barons. Although the provisions of the Charter
remained highly significant and formed the basis for the legal systems and political constitutions of Britain and other countries in subsequent centuries, the truce which was achieved between the king
and the barons lasted, in the end, only a few months.
However, the elements which were included in the document do serve to demonstrate some of the social, political and religious changes which the country was undergoing
at the time. In the opening sector, for example, the rights of the Church are guaranteed, and in the rest of the document there are provisions relating to the extent
of the kings power over feudal custom, the countrys financial resources, and the common law. This final proviso served to make the crown subject to the law of the land;
the first time which this had taken place.
The final sections of Magna Carta dealt with the protection of the rebel barons from retribution and attempted to reduce the numbers of the Kings council in order to reduce
his power; there was also provision for the barons to implement the Charter by force if necessary.