King John's Charter

King John's Charter, also known as the Magna Carta, was a 1215 document in which King John agreed to limit his powers and recognize certain legal rights for his subjects. It was driven by the barons' demands to prevent the king from unfairly taxing them or acting above the law. The charter established principles like trial by jury and protection of property rights, laying the foundation for modern legal systems and parliamentary democracy. It marked a significant step toward limiting royal authority and ensuring that even the king must govern according to established laws.