The Maga Carta turns 800
One of the most important legal documents in the annals of global legal history, the Magna Carta, turned 800 on June 15, 2016. According to The Economist in a piece that charts its storied history:
The Magna Carta, considered one of the most important documents in the founding of the West’s liberal principles, was signed by England’s King John on June 15th 1215. Most of its provisions have now been repealed, but as an emblem of the long struggle of people everywhere against the excesses of an arbitrary ruler, it retains great power
As a lawyer and a lover of history I just had to take a moment to honour a seminal moment in legal history. However, in doing so I reflect in amazement how a failed agreement between a king and his rebellious barons has become the foundation for liberty in all legal systems based on the Anglo model.
