Why Is Magna Carta Important

Magna Carta is a 13th-century document preserving the rights, privileges and liberties of the clergy and the nobles, and placing limits on the power of the crown. Most of the 63 clauses deal with the administration of justice, and the detail of feudal right and customs. It was granted by King John in June 1215. The document was drawn up after his barons opposed and forced him to agree to limitations on his power, because he had demanded heavy taxes to fund his unsuccessful wars in France. Magna Carta continues to be significant because it placed limits on the royal authority, and made clear that the monarch was not above the law. Originally Magna Carta was known as the Charter of liberties. It became Magna Carta, when a smaller Charter