1297 Copy of Magna Carta to be Displayed in National Archives

Magna Carta was originally issued in the year 1215. It is the first bill of rights in the world. This required King John of England to proclaim certain liberties, and accept that his will was not arbitrary, and that no freeman could be punished except through the law of the land, a right which is still in existence today. At the time it was written, this was regarded as the most progressive document when most governments were under absolute rule. This Magna Carta of 1297, which is the Charter of King Edward I of England, also became inspiration for many constitutions like the US Constitution. This charter still remains in the statute books of England and Wales. Seven authentic copies of the Magna Carta are in the United Kingdom and one copy is in the Australian Parliament.