Magna Carta Day

Date: June 15

Magna Carta Day commemorates the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, a cornerstone document in the history of democracy and legal rights. This day highlights the enduring significance of the Magna Carta in shaping modern legal systems.

History

On June 15, 1215, King John of England agreed to the Magna Carta, a charter of rights that limited the powers of the monarchy and laid the foundation for constitutional governance. The Magna Carta introduced the idea that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law.

Interesting Information

• The Magna Carta is considered one of the first steps toward establishing parliamentary democracy and legal protections for individuals.
• Only four original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta survive today, housed in the British Library and cathedrals in Lincoln and Salisbury.
• The principles of the Magna Carta influenced many foundational documents, including the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.