Regional Human Rights Legal and Political Documents
The Magna Carta
One of the earliest legal documents which specifically limited the power
of government over its citizens was the
Magna Carta, signed by King John of England in 1215. It is a
contract between the King and his subjects, and between his
descendents and their descendents "forever." Most of its articles
applied to specific abuses of the time, but it guarantees the
freedom of the English Church from royal interference,
protected the property and inheritance rights of underage heirs and
widows,
limited taxes,
established standing and roving courts to deal with criminal and civil
issues,
stated that punishment should fit the crime, and
forbade officials to steal from citizens, noble or freeborn commoners.
It also put on paper, for the first time, English concepts of
due process and
forbade bribery of judges and other legal authorities.
The British Bill of Rights
Created on July 14, 1994 / Last edited on January 27,
1997
Home Page |
Administrative
Info |
Webmaster