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Have human rights progressed fast enough?

6/2/2015

7 Comments

 
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This year marks the 800th anniversary of the British charter's first signing at Runnymede on the banks of the Thames between Windsor and Staines.

Runnymede; what a wonderful name. I love the way it rolls around the mouth. Language should be celebrated and treasured, as are the words of the landmark document.

Magna Carta was granted by King John of England on 15 June 1215, establishing that the king was subject to the law rather than being above it. I imagine his reluctance to sign his absolute power away. King John agreed the charter presented by a group of leading barons, led by Robert fitzWalter, exasperated at the king's arbitrary rule and high taxes. It was in effect a peace treaty designed to head off armed conflict. However, it failed.

Six new UK stamps feature text from Magna Carta, and other charters, bills and declarations that have developed the rule of law around the world.

Much of Magna Carta baffles modern readers, couched in medieval jargon and concerned with the detail of relations between the king and his most powerful feudal tenants. And the charter's most significant innovation, a security clause in which the king was subjected to the oversight of a panel of 25 barons, proved impossible to implement.

But the document quickly gained a central place in English political life and remains a touchstone of English liberties.

PictureMagna Carta memorial at Runnymede
About ten years ago, I visited Runnymede with my husband and his brother and wife. We read a copy of the charter beside the river. A feeling of the past remains in that historical site.

Magna Carta outlined basic rights with the principle that no-one was above the law, including the king.

It charted the right to a fair trial, and limits on taxation without representation.

It inspired a number of other documents, including the US Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

However, only three clauses are still valid: the guarantee of the liberties of the English Church; the confirmation of the privileges of the City of London and other towns; and the clause stating that no free man shall be imprisoned without the lawful judgment of his equals

One original copy is owned by Lincoln Cathedral and one by Salisbury Cathedral. The British Library has two copies of the 1215 Magna Carta.

Everyone may not be born equal, but it's reassuring to know our human rights were upheld under English law eight hundred years ago. Many inequalities still exist, but we are making steady progress to ensure everyone can be free. Do you think we've advanced human rights fast enough?


7 Comments
Amy link
6/1/2015 11:58:33 pm

I like the word "Runnymede" too, dear friend. This is a great reminder of how blessed we are, that the Magna Carta was enacted in the first place! Thank you for this reminder and this precious history lesson. (And good luck to you, in fixing that comment button!)

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Ajay Pai link
6/2/2015 02:37:09 am

I remember having learnt about Magna Carta during my school days. However, I am of the opinion that we aren't fast enough to have the advanced human rights as yet.

Inequality and bias is the rule of the day.

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Tina link
6/2/2015 04:41:29 am

Good reminder of our history lessons actually. Nice post

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Laurel Regan link
6/2/2015 06:33:32 am

We've come a long way, for sure - but sadly, I think we have a long way to go yet.

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Shonda link
6/2/2015 06:36:13 am

Thank you for the reminder. It has been awhile since learning about the Magna Carta

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Alana Mautone link
6/2/2015 08:43:41 am

The Magna Carta was an amazing document in its time. We in the United States owe a great debt of gratitude to it for our very government-I wonder how many Americans realize that? Right now, one of the four surviving copies is in display at our National Archives in Washington, DC. I may not be able to go this summer, but it would be a dream come true to see this document.

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GiGi Eats link
6/2/2015 10:19:37 am

HA! Magna Carta - you're bringing me back to 5th grade and... THANK YOU for that, because let me be honest, I haven't thought about the Magna Carta probably SINCE THEN!

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    Francene Stanley
    From England, I use news items in my novels which you can see below, all linked to an Amazon near you.

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