What is the Magna Carta? The Magna Carta was signed on June 15, 1215 by King John of England. Many of King John’s subjects were unhappy with him during his rule. The king, in order to avoid being overthrown, promised that certain rights would be guaranteed to many people in his kingdom. To this day, this “Great Charter” impacts our daily lives because it established the idea that no one, not even a king, is above the law. Many American Constitutional rights, such as the right to a fair trial and the right to travel freely, were inspired by the Magna Carta. These rights are directly reflected in our Bill of Rights. It is important for Americans to understand the rights and freedoms we enjoy under our system of government. It is also important to recognize that the rights we may take for granted were not the norm throughout the course of human history! Since the Magna Carta was signed 800 years ago, many people have fought to receive fair treatment under the law. In many places throughout the world, the struggle continues to this day.
Activities: • Discuss the Magna Carta in class. Ask students to work in groups to discuss how their lives might be different if they lived under the rule of an all-powerful king or queen. • Read the Bill of Rights (the first ten constitutional amendments) aloud. Ask students to choose one guaranteed right and write a paragraph or short essay about how it affects his or her everyday life.
Oklahoma Law Day 2015 The theme for this year’s celebration of Law Day is “Foundations of the Law: The Magna Carta and Beyond.” The theme reflects the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, which will be celebrated in 2015. Law Day is the annual nationwide celebration of the importance of law and the legal process. First conceived by Wewoka, Okla., attorney Hicks Epton, President Eisenhower formally recognized Law Day in a 1958 presidential proclamation.
Teachers: Take advantage of the Law Day writing and art contests for students Pre-K - 12th grade! The submission deadline is Jan. 16, 2015.
For more information, visit www.okbar.org/public/outreach/LawDay Look for the next Law Day discussion topic and activity plan on Monday, Oct. 6, 2014!
