Magna Carta

Of the Magna Carta's 63 provisions, the most important categories were:

• Independence of the church in England (no wonder Innocent III was upset);



• Freedom from undue tax burdens;



• The fundamental concept of habeas corpus ("you have the body") by which no one can be imprisoned without due process of law;



• Unencumbered inheritance rights.

The effects of the original Magna Carta, in the short term, were minimal since Innocent III declared it null and void soon after Runnymede. Before long, however, the Charter was confirmed by later English kings. Its eminent place, and effect, in the modern world of law remains unquestioned.

In fact, one of the greatest treasures owned by the U.S. Library of Congress is a 14th century copy of Magna Carta. With its intricate colored pen work and its original pigskin wrapper, this fundamental source of English common law is a priceless holding. Other copies of this wellspring of basic civil rights are equally beautiful.