samedi 25 octobre 2014

Detailed Magna Carta Influence On The Constitution

By Dominique Martin


The Magna Carta document is still as relevant as ever when it comes to modern law. For instance the Australian and United Kingdom constitutions all share similar beginnings not forgetting the charter among the oldest of that history shared. Due to the fact that Magna Carta influence on the constitution especially when it comes to its provisions is evident. However on influences in modern day cases outcomes it might not provide detailed contributions, nonetheless this should not conceal its importance.

This document has been re-issued multiple times and has been accompanied by several amendments. It is believed that this document has had to be confirmed a lot of times by parliament. Its application is embedded in the constitutions of several countries contrary to common perception that it is an England thing.

Its statements are continuously embedded in crucial constitutional doctrines. Among the enthusiasts who champion for the modern day human rights crusade it continues to be referenced. The same applies to the field of law.

The document served to erect a foundation for transformation of governments using the parliamentary module. It also resulted subsequently into the United States and Britain going for human rights declarations. Just by its mere aim of cupping the aristocratic powers, the emphasis on the rule of law was strengthened tremendously.

Towards the end of the thirteenth century the idea of a higher form of governing law was provided for. The notion was that no matter what no alteration could be effected on it irrespective of whether it is by the legislature or the executive. This concept was eventually adopted by the forefathers in the American Revolution. When we observe the United States constitution it is embedded in a supremacy clause and accordingly enforced by the judiciary.

Similarly we can relate this to 1215 whereby citizens and feudal lords in England were fed up with the then king. On losing land to the French he subjected his subjects to high taxes and oppression via power abuse. These subjects drafted the Magna Carta and compelled the king to accept or face the consequences which amounted to civil war. Despite it being more tailored to protect noblemen, in time its umbrella included all commoners too.

A good instance of the doctrines application is in the writ of habeas corpus. It has the interpretation that the government is incapable of arbitrarily arresting anyone without any real cause or in any secretive manner. Every individual should be subjected to the due process. The law has been accordingly embedded in US constitution, particularly in the Fifth Amendment. All citizens here are guaranteed the right to a trial that is fair through court.

All constitutions usually constrain executive power from being employed on pursuit of certain few aristocratic oligarchic orders. The governments are more representative of ordinary commoners welfare and rights. It is also widely argued that the Magna Carta became a major contributor to the written constitutionalism as opposed to the laws which were orally proclaimed.




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