What were the key clauses of the Magna Carta?

The Magna Carta, also known as the Great Charter, was a document signed by King John of England in 1215. It aimed to limit the power of the monarchy and protect the rights and liberties of the nobles and the Church. The key clauses of the Magna Carta included:

1. Protection of the Church: The charter guaranteed the freedom of the Church and its right to elect its own leaders without interference from the king.

2. Right to a fair trial: It established that no free man could be imprisoned, deprived of property, or punished without a lawful judgment by his peers or the law of the land.

3. Limitation of royal power: The Magna Carta restricted the king's ability to impose arbitrary taxes and fines, ensuring that they could only be levied with the consent of the Great Council of nobles.

4. Habeas Corpus: It introduced the principle of habeas corpus, which prevented the king from detaining individuals without just cause or due process.

5. Protection of property rights: The charter safeguarded the rights of landowners, ensuring that their property could not be seized or confiscated without proper legal procedures.

6. Free movement: It granted the right to free movement within the kingdom, allowing subjects to travel and trade freely, except during times of war.

7. Standardization of weights and measures: The Magna Carta established uniform standards for weights and measures, promoting fair trade and commerce.

These clauses of the Magna Carta laid the foundation for the development of constitutional law and the protection of individual rights and liberties in England and later influenced legal systems around the world.