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800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta
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Illustration of King John seated at a table signing the Magna Carta. Other men stand watching.
Illustration of King John seated at a table signing the Magna Carta. Other men stand watching.
Foundations of Liberty The Magna Carta (1215) and the English Bill of Rights (1689) were important steps to securing freedom and civil rights for all people.

800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta

June 15 marks the 800th anniversary of the signing of one of the seminal documents in Anglo-American jurisprudence.
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Written by
Michael Ray
Michael Ray is an assistant managing editor who has worked at Britannica since 2003. In addition to leading the Geography and History team, he oversees coverage of European history and military affairs....
Michael Ray
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On June 15, 1215, rebellious nobles compelled King John of England to sign the Magna Carta. Although it is firmly rooted in the concerns of feudal law, the charter’s treatment of individual rights was revolutionary. The charter and its numerous revisions codified the concept of due process and served as a symbol of the struggle against the abuse of power.

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