Magna Carta

The Magna Carta is one of the world's most important government documents.  Written in 1215, its intent was to secure rights and liberties for those in England (and Wales).  It was written by powerful barons who wished to 'corral' the king (King John (reigned 1199-1216), of Robin Hood fame) by giving rights to freemen, thus preventing the King's arbitrary decisions and random seizing of property.  It was, of course, also to protect the barons themselves.  It is, in a way, an early Constitution.

The document consists of 63 articles.  Some are excellent statements on human liberty (like 39 and 40); some are seemingly random statements (like 23); some are statements on where courts should be convened (17), how loans to Jews should be repaid (10,11), property rights (30,31), etc.- a lot of topics are covered.  Towards the end (61), the barons set up a council that will ensure enforcement.  There are a lot of good things here.  There are several different versions- I read this one, but believe this one is an easier read.

I don't know much about the document's enforcement; I believe King John went against it shortly after its creation.  But, it is a foundational work, and led to more developed statements of rights later in history.  It's well worth the reading.

Rating: A