The Magna Carta, also known as the Great Charter, is a historical document that was signed by King John of England in 1215. It is widely regarded as one of the most important legal documents in history, as it established the principle that even a monarch must be subject to the law and that the rights of individuals must be protected.
The Magna Carta was created in response to a conflict between King John and his barons, who were seeking to limit the king's power and protect their own rights. The document outlined a number of rights and freedoms that the king was required to respect, including the right to a fair trial, protection against arbitrary arrest and imprisonment, and the right to own property.
The Magna Carta also established the principle of habeas corpus, which requires that a person cannot be detained without a lawful reason and must be brought before a court of law to determine whether their detention is justified.
The influence of the Magna Carta can be seen in many legal systems around the world, including the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is widely regarded as a cornerstone of modern democracy and the rule of law.
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