magna charta
/'mægnə'kɑ:tə/ Cách viết khác : (Magna_Charta) /'mægnə'kɑ:tə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Proper noun:
- A foundational legal document: "Magna Charta" refers specifically to the charter of liberties agreed to by King John of England at Runnymede on June 15, 1215, under pressure from his barons. It is a cornerstone document in the constitutional history of England, establishing the principle that the king and his government were not above the law.
- A symbol of fundamental rights and the rule of law: By extension, the term is used to signify any fundamental constitution or law that guarantees basic rights and liberties.
Examples of Usage
- Proper noun:
- The signing of the Magna Charta in 1215 was a pivotal moment in limiting the power of the English monarchy.
- Scholars study the Magna Charta to understand the origins of modern legal principles like due process.
- Many consider this new bill of rights to be the Magna Charta for digital privacy.
Advanced Usage
- "Magna Charta Libertatum": The full Latin name, meaning "the Great Charter of Liberties."
- The document's formal title is Magna Charta Libertatum.
- Used metaphorically to describe any foundational or groundbreaking agreement.
- The treaty served as a Magna Charta for international cooperation on climate change.
Variants and Related Words
- Magna Carta: The more common modern spelling. The terms "Magna Charta" and "Magna Carta" are used interchangeably.
- The original Magna Carta is housed in the British Library.
- Charter (n): A written grant by a country's legislative or sovereign power, defining the rights and privileges of a body or person. The Magna Charta is a specific, historic charter.
Synonyms
- Great Charter: A direct English translation of "Magna Carta."
- Foundational charter: Emphasizes its role as a basis for law.
- Cornerstone document: Highlights its fundamental importance in a legal or constitutional system.
Related Phrases
- "The spirit of the Magna Carta": Refers to the underlying principles of justice, liberty, and lawful governance embodied by the document.
- The court's decision was made in the spirit of the Magna Carta.
- "A modern Magna Carta": A phrase used to describe contemporary laws or agreements seen as similarly foundational for rights.
- The data protection act has been called a modern Magna Carta for the internet age.
Noun
- the royal charter of political rights given to rebellious English barons by King John in 1215