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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42

Liceat unicuique de cetero exire de Regno nostro et redire salvo et secure, per terram et per aquam salva fide nostra nisi tempore gwerre per aliquod breve tempus propter communem utilitatem Regni, exceptis imprisonatis et utlagatis secundum legem Regni et gente de terra contra nos gwerrina, et mercatoribus de quibus fiat sicut praedictum est.

In future it shall be lawful for any man to leave and return to our kingdom unharmed and without fear, by land or water, preserving his allegiance to us, except in time of war, for some short period, for the common benefit of the realm. People that have been imprisoned or outlawed in accordance with the law of the land, people from a country that is at war with us, and merchants - who shall be dealt with as stated above - are excepted from this provision.

and Modern Australia
Clause 42
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Liceat unicuique de cetero exire de Regno nostro et redire salvo et secure, per terram et per aquam salva fide nostra nisi tempore gwerre per aliquod breve tempus propter communem utilitatem Regni, exceptis imprisonatis et utlagatis secundum legem Regni et gente de terra contra nos gwerrina, et mercatoribus de quibus fiat sicut praedictum est.

In future it shall be lawful for any man to leave and return to our kingdom unharmed and without fear, by land or water, preserving his allegiance to us, except in time of war, for some short period, for the common benefit of the realm. People that have been imprisoned or outlawed in accordance with the law of the land, people from a country that is at war with us, and merchants - who shall be dealt with as stated above - are excepted from this provision.