United Kingdom celebrates 800 years of Magna Carta
United Kingdom (UK) celebrated 800 years of signing of Magna Carta on 15 June 2015.
The celebrations to observe signing of 8 century year old historic document which had laid foundation for modern democratic society was led by Queen Elizabeth II. UK Prime Minister David Cameron was also had joined the queen to mark the celebrations.
About Magna Carta
- Magna Carta is a Latin word which in English means Great Charter. It is most important document of England signed on 15 June 1215 at Runnymede alongside the River Thames in the English county of Surrey.
- It had originated as a peace and truce treaty between King John and a group of rebellious barons within his kingdom.
- The document had written promises between King John and his subjects mentioning that the king will govern England and deal with its people according to the customs of feudal law.
- Magna Carta had laid the first steps towards parliamentary democracy and the principle supremacy of law i.e. no one is above the law. It also laid the principle of balance of power between the governed and government.
- Its influence can be seen in other documents across the world including the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and on US Constitution and Bill of Rights.
- In case of India, its influence also can be seen on Part III of constitution which contains fundamental rights, described as the magna carta of India which has been derived inspiration from Bill of Rights.
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Month: Current Affairs - June, 2015