Magna Carta

and Modern Australia

Magna Carta is one of the most famous documents in the world. First written in 1215, it set out rules limiting the power of the monarchy and safeguarding basic human rights. Over its long history it has been reinterpreted as an icon of justice and liberty. Magna Carta is one of the historic foundations of Australian democracy. Its principles about the rule of law and good government remain relevant today.

Explore Magna Carta through its clauses or view the stories to discover how people have used this medieval document to shape modern Australia.

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19

et si in die comitatus assise praedicte capi non possint, tot milites et libere tenentes remaneant de illis qui interfuerint comitatui die illo per quos possint iudicia sufficienter fieri, secundum quod negocium fuerit maius vel minus.

If any assizes cannot be taken on the day of the county court, as many knights and freeholders shall afterwards remain behind, of those who have attended the court, as will suffice for the administration of justice, having regard to the volume of business to be done.

and Modern Australia
Clause 19
Drag clause

et si in die comitatus assise praedicte capi non possint, tot milites et libere tenentes remaneant de illis qui interfuerint comitatui die illo per quos possint iudicia sufficienter fieri, secundum quod negocium fuerit maius vel minus.

If any assizes cannot be taken on the day of the county court, as many knights and freeholders shall afterwards remain behind, of those who have attended the court, as will suffice for the administration of justice, having regard to the volume of business to be done.