What is the most famous clause?
Asked by: Tess Haag | Last update: February 2, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (11 votes)
The most famous clause is arguably Clause 39 of the Magna Carta, establishing that no free man shall be imprisoned or deprived of rights except by lawful judgment of peers or the law of the land, forming the bedrock of due process and habeas corpus, while another prominent clause forbids the king from selling, denying, or delaying justice. These principles, though initially for "free men" (not all people), became foundational for modern democracy and rights in many nations, including the U.S. Constitution.
What was the most famous clause of the Magna Carta?
Of enduring importance to people appealing to the charter over the last 800 years are the famous clauses 39 and 40: “No free man shall be seized, imprisoned, dispossessed, outlawed, exiled or ruined in any way, nor in any way proceeded against, except by the lawful judgement of his peers and the law of the land.
What does clause 52 of the Magna Carta mean?
The drafters of Clause 52 pinpointed disseisin, the unlawful seizure of land, as the most objectionable of these and demanded an immediate remedy for it – as, indeed, the barons had already done earlier in the year, when they swore to take action against the king `until he swore to restore to the leading men of England ...
What does clause 63 of the Magna Carta mean?
Clause 63 of the Magna Carta is the concluding clause, essentially a grand finale, that reaffirms all the liberties granted throughout the charter, stating the English Church is free, all subjects have their rights and concessions forever, and that both King John and the barons have sworn to uphold these promises in good faith, sealed with witnesses at Runnymede. It serves as the ultimate confirmation that the entire charter, with its numerous feudal and legal reforms, is binding and to be observed perpetually.
Why is clause 39 of the Magna Carta important?
Clause 39 of the Magna Carta is known as the Habeas Corpus Clause. This clause states that no free person shall be arrested or imprisoned without a fair trial and due process of law. The colonists pointed out that the British were violating their rights and not treating them as equal citizens.
Advanced English Grammar: Clauses
What does clause 40 of the Magna Carta mean?
Clause 40 states, “To no one will We sell, to no one will We deny or delay right or justice.” King John referred to himself with the royal “We”. Magna Carta turns 805 years old this year. Like many of the world's greatest documents, it lives on today as the cornerstone of our concept of the Rule of Law.
What does clause 13 of the Magna Carta mean?
+ (13) The city of London shall enjoy all its ancient liberties and free customs, both by land and by water. We also will and grant that all other cities, boroughs, towns, and ports shall enjoy all their liberties and free customs.
What does clause 12 of the Magna Carta say?
12. No scutage or aid shall be imposed in our realm unless by the common counsel of our realm; except for redeeming our body, and knighting our eldest son, and marrying once our eldest daughter. And for these purposes there shall only be given a reasonable aid.
What does clause 7 of the Magna Carta mean?
After the death of her husband a widow is to have her marriage portion and inheritance immediately and without difficulty, nor is she to give anything for her dower, or for her marriage portion, or for the inheritance which she and her husband held on the day of his death, and she may remain in her husband's house for ...
What does clause 28 of the Magna Carta mean?
No constable or other bailiff of ours is to take anyone's corn or other chattels, unless he pays cash for them immediately, or obtains respite of payment with the consent of the seller.
What does clause 21 of the Magna Carta mean?
Clause 21 retained its predecessor's stress on proportionality, but made no mention of the means of those affected, which may have seemed irrelevant, given that the clause affected many of the wealthiest people in the kingdom, while the assessors were defined in terms of social rather than geographical affinity – a ...
What does clause 39 and 40 state in the Magna Carta?
Magna Carta affirmed the vital principle of freedom under the law. Clause 39 of the Charter said: 'no free man shall be imprisoned or deprived of his lands except by judgement of his peers or by the law of the land'. Clause 40 said: 'To no one shall we sell, delay or deny right or justice'.
What clause of the Magna Carta is still relevant today?
Today only three articles (or clauses) of the 1297 Magna Carta remain in force in every part of the UK except Scotland: the freedom of the Church of England (clause 1) the “ancient liberties” of the City of London (clause 13 in the 1215 charter, clause 9 in the 1297 statute)
What is the new law of Magna Carta?
The new law aims to improve all aspects of maritime sector concerning seafarers – from maritime schools, training, welfare and handling of crew claims. The current rule under the POEA SEC is found under Section 20. A, par.
What is clause 1 of the constitution?
Clause 1 Elections Clause
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.
What does clause 23 of the Magna Carta mean?
23. No vill or person shall be compelled to make bridges at river banks, except those who from of old were legally bound to do so. Taken from this translation here: magnacartaplus.
What does clause 8 of the Magna Carta mean?
8. No widow is to be distrained to marry while she wishes to live without a husband, as long as she gives security that she will not marry without our consent, if she holds of us, or without the consent of her lord of whom she holds, if she holds of someone else.
What does clause 39 of the Magna Carta say?
39. No freemen shall be taken or imprisoned or disseised or exiled or in any way destroyed, nor will we go upon him nor send upon him, except by the lawful judgment of his peers or by the law of the land.
What does clause 36 of the Magna Carta mean?
Nothing is to be given or taken in future for a writ for an inquest concerning life or members, but it is to be given without payment and not denied.
What does clause 61 of the Magna Carta mean?
If John did not conform to the charter within 40 days of being notified of a transgression by the council, the 25 barons were empowered by clause 61 to seize John's castles and lands until, in their judgement, amends had been made.
What is the Magna Carta Clause 52?
If anyone has been disseised or dispossessed by us, without lawful judgment of his peers, of lands, castles, liberties, or of his right, we will restore them to him immediately.
What does clause 35 of the Magna Carta mean?
There is to be one measure of wine throughout our kingdom, and one measure of ale, and one measure of corn, namely the quarter of London, and one breadth of dyed, russet and haberget cloths, that is, two ells within the borders; and let weights be dealt with as with measures.
What is the 54th clause of the Magna Carta?
No man is to be arrested or imprisoned on account of a woman's appeal for the death of anyone other than her own husband.