ENFORCING THE MAGNA CARTA.

ENFORCING THE MAGNA CARTA. The Magna Carta is well drafted, and one of the impressive aspects of the drafting is that the “contract” provides for a method of enforcement if King John were to breach the agreement. This wikipedia article describes the enforcement mechanism. One section of the charter “established a committee of 25 barons who could at any time meet and overrule the will of the King if he defied the provisions of the Charter, seizing his castles and possessions if it was considered necessary.” The enforcement mechanism failed. King John renounced the charter as soon as the barons left, and Pope Innocent III also annulled the agreement and released John from his oath to obey it. A civil war followed. Of course, the charter had lasting effect despite the enforceability problems.