Introduction: After leading a successful revolt against King John I, the English barons (supported by the clergy and townsmen) forced the king to sign a lengthy document that became known as the Magna Carta (or "great charter"). Signed by King John on June 12, 1215, the document was divided into sixty-three sections that served as the foundation for the British constitution and forced the king to admit that he answered to the same community laws as his subjects did. As such, the document was the first to establish a degree of juridical equality between subjects and government, the first step toward acknowledgement of basic rights for all.

Preamble

John, by the grace of God, king of England, lord of Ireland, duke of Normandy and Aquitaine, and count of Anjou, to the archbishop, bishops, abbots, earls, barons, justiciaries, foresters, sheriffs, stewards, servants, and to all his bailiffs...