Group Work Presentation: From The Magna Carta to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Conclusion

Evolution of Rights and Freedoms Throughout History

King john of England

• The journey from the Magna Carta to the UDHR reflects a continuous evolution in the recognition and protection of fundamental human rights.

• Common principles such as the rule of law and due process have endured, shaping the foundation of modern constitutionalism and the protection of human rights globally.

Introduction

The Magna Carta: Origins, Historical Context, and Significance

The human rights

Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Presentation

• Origins: The Magna Carta, or Great Charter, was issued in 1215 by King John of England in response to grievances from barons regarding his abuse of power.

• Historical Context: The document emerged during a time of feudal tension, emphasizing the need to limit the king's authority and establish certain principles of governance.

• Significance: The Magna Carta is considered a foundational document in the development of constitutional law, as it laid the groundwork for fundamental principles and rights.

LITERATURE

• Equality and Non-Discrimination: UDHR Article 1 and 2 proclaim the equality of all human beings, prohibiting discrimination based on various grounds.

• Right to Life, Liberty, and Security: Article 3 ensures the basic rights to life, liberty, and personal security.

• Freedom from Torture: Article 5 prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

• Recognition as a Person before the Law: Article 6 guarantees the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

• Rule of Law: Both documents emphasize the rule of law, ensuring that all, including authorities, are subject to legal constraints.

• Due Process: Both stress the importance of fair treatment, protecting individuals from arbitrary actions of the state.

• Equality: Both highlight the principles of equality before the law, regardless of status, birth, or other characteristics.

Historical Development

Analysis of the Magna Carta

Fundamental Principles, Rights, and Freedoms

1. Rule of Law: The Magna Carta asserted the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law, limiting the monarch's power by legal constraints.

2. Due Process: It established the concept of due process, ensuring fair treatment and preventing arbitrary deprivation of life, liberty, or property.

3. Habeas Corpus: The document influenced the development of habeas corpus, protecting against unlawful detention and asserting the right to challenge imprisonment in court.

4. Property Rights: The Magna Carta addressed property rights, limiting the king's ability to seize property without just cause, extending this protection to all free men.

5. Taxation Limitations: Introduced the idea that certain taxes should only be levied with the consent of the barons, laying the groundwork for representative government.

6. Access to Justice: Established the right to swift and fair justice, prohibiting the sale, denial, or delay of justice.

The Magna Carta set a precedent for later constitutions, influencing documents like the English Bill of Rights (1689) and the U.S. Constitution (1787). Its concepts of the rule of law, due process, and limiting governmental power resonated globally in constitutional thinking.