The Magna Carta was one of the first documents in Medieval Europe to set down principles for the enthronement of the Rule of Law after a meeting on June 15, 1215 at Runnymede , Windsor Castle between King John and his Barons.
The Document set out five major points –
- No new taxation without representation.
- All free men have the right to justice and a fair trial with a jury.
- The Monarch doesn’t have absolute power. The Law is above all men and applies to everyone equally.
- All free citizens can own and inherit property.
- Widows who own property don’t have to remarry.
This iconic document and principles contained therein find imprimatur in the living documents that many democratic states like US, Nigeria, et al have adopted as their Constitution.
The most important to me are principles of equality under the law and the right to liberty and own property.
Which one resonates with you? Let me know in your comments.
DrAlexanderGrey 