What Is Magna Carta? [No. 86]

When King John signed Magna Carta in 1215, he was responding to the demands of rebellious barons. Over the centuries, however, Magna Carta has become a cornerstone of Western legal thought. What is Magna Carta, and how has it influenced the US Constitution and American law? Charles Eskridge of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP considers this seminal legal document and its storied history. As always, the Federalist Society takes no particular legal or public policy positions. All opinions are those of the speaker. Learn more about Charles Eskridge: Related Links & Differing Views: The New Yorker: “The Rule of History” Houses of Parliament: “Magna Carta & Parliament” UVA Lawyer: “The Sheer Force of an Idea” Interna