1628 Petition of Right

The Petition of Right, passed by the English Parliament in 1628, was a crucial document asserting the rights of citizens against the monarchy. It challenged King Charles I’s authority by outlining grievances, such as taxation without consent, unlawful imprisonment, and the enforcement of martial law. Essentially, it sought to limit the king's power and protect individual liberties. The petition emphasized that the monarchy was not above the law, paving the way for later constitutional developments. It remains a significant milestone in the evolution of parliamentary democracy and the rule of law in England.