How Many Alterations Were Added to the Magna Carta?
The Magna Carta, often hailed as the foundation of modern constitutional law, was initially drafted in 1215. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous alterations to reflect the evolving needs and values of the societies it governed. The question of how many alterations were added to the Magna Carta is a complex one, as the document has been amended and reissued several times throughout history. This article explores the various changes made to the Magna Carta and their significance.
The first major alteration to the Magna Carta occurred just a few months after its initial signing in 1215. King John of England faced pressure from the barons and the Pope to confirm the document. As a result, the Magna Carta was reissued in 1215, with a few amendments made to clarify certain clauses and address concerns raised by the Pope. This version, known as the 1215 Magna Carta, contained 63 clauses, 17 of which were alterations from the original document.
One of the most significant alterations was the addition of clause 61, which allowed the barons to appeal to the Pope if they believed the king had violated the Magna Carta. This clause was inserted to ensure that the king would adhere to the document’s provisions, as the Pope held significant influence over the English monarchy at the time.
Another alteration was the addition of clause 65, which required the king to appoint judges who were not personally loyal to him. This clause aimed to ensure that the judiciary would remain independent and impartial, thereby upholding the rule of law.
The Magna Carta was reissued again in 1216, following the death of King John. The 1216 Magna Carta contained a few additional alterations, including the clarification of certain clauses and the removal of some provisions that were no longer applicable.
The most significant alteration to the Magna Carta occurred in 1225, when it was reissued by King Henry III. This version, known as the 1225 Magna Carta, was a more comprehensive document that included 63 clauses. It was the first Magna Carta to be confirmed by Parliament, marking the beginning of its long association with English constitutional law.
The 1225 Magna Carta contained several important alterations, including the addition of clause 29, which guaranteed that the Magna Carta would be upheld by future kings. This clause established the principle that the Magna Carta was a fundamental law of the land, binding on all future monarchs.
Additionally, the 1225 Magna Carta included the removal of clause 61, which allowed the barons to appeal to the Pope. This alteration was made to emphasize the Magna Carta’s independence from papal influence and to underscore its status as an English constitutional document.
Over the following centuries, the Magna Carta continued to be reissued and amended as needed. The 1297 Magna Carta, for example, was a significant revision that incorporated clauses from the Magna Carta of 1225 and the Statute of Marlborough. This version became the definitive text of the Magna Carta and remained in force until the English Reformation.
In conclusion, the Magna Carta has undergone numerous alterations since its original drafting in 1215. While the exact number of alterations is difficult to determine, it is clear that the document has been subject to significant changes throughout history. These alterations reflect the evolving needs and values of the societies that have been governed by the Magna Carta, and they have contributed to its enduring significance as a cornerstone of modern constitutional law.
