Magna Carta Day

Happy Magna Carta Day! Not sure what that is? Here’s some info on one of the greatest constitutional documents of all time.

Magna Carta Day on June 15 commemorates the signing of the Great Charter in 1215 that limited the powers of the English monarch. While the Magna Carta came about after barons rebelled against King John’s taxes and feudal law, it outlined specific rights and privileges previous documents had avoided.

Largely regarded as the first law to protect land-owners and other citizens from a tyrannical king or government, it gave people lawful and concrete protection against any possible government exploitation.

Though it is not a formal part of the Constitution of Canada, the Magna Carta was a backbone principle that derived many common law practices that are part of the current constitution.

Now when the Magna Carta trivia comes up and your next trivia night. You’ll be ready!