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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
Magna Carta was the first document forced onto an English King by a group of his subjects in an attempt to limit his powers by law and protect their privileges. Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Magna_Carta.jpg -
Jan 1, 1305
Writ of Habeas Corpus
The writ of habeas corpus is one of what are called the common law issued the name of the monarch to control inferior courts and public authorities within the kingdom. It limits unlawful detentions and limits the length of time a person can be held without knowledge of charges, limiting the Kings ability to unlawfully hold subjects. Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Scale_of_justice_2.svg -
Petition of Right
English constitutional document that sets out specific liberties of the subject that the king is prohibited from infringing. he Petition is most notable for its confirmation of the principles that taxes can be levied only by Parliament, that martial law may not be imposed in time of peace, and that prisoners must be able to challenge the legitimacy of their detentions through the writ of habeas corpus. Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Petition_of_Right.jpg -
High Court of Justice for the trial of Charles I
When given the opportunity to speak, Charles refused to enter a plea, claiming that no court had jurisdiction over a monarch. He believed that his own authority to rule had been given to him by God and by the traditions and laws of England when he was crowned and anointed, and that the power wielded by those trying him was simply that of force of arms. The trial went forth and Charles was executed Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Court-charles-I-sm.jpg -
John Locke's Two Treatises
John Locke begins by describing the state of nature, and argues that all men are created equal in the state of nature by God. He argues that that the only legitimate governments are those that have the consent of the people. Any government that rules without the consent of the people can, in theory, be overthrown. Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:JohnLocke.png -
English Bill of Rights
Ensure certain freedoms and ensure a Protestant political supremacy. This layed out the basic freedoms for all Englishmen. It limited the powers of the King and extended the rights of Parliament and the King. Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:English_Bill_of_Rights_of_1689.jpg -
Act of Settlement
The Seal of the English Constitution, determined the rules of succession and provided the cap on the English Bill of Rights. Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Act_of_Settlement_3323.jpg
