[Ohioan]

In the original version, there were enforcement provisions, which called for a committee of Barons--25, I believe--who were supposed to raise the nation, if the Crown (Government) violated the terms. Ultimately, like our own Constitution, it requires a will to preserve the rights recognized. Without that will to preserve, all human devices intended to protect liberty, are useless.

That said, such documents have a powerful beacon effect. In the case of Magna Carta, it is quite possible that what Jefferson penned 561 years later, would never have taken the form it did--had it happened at all;--had Magna Carta never been forced upon King John.

[ladyjane]

The king signed the Magna Carta under duress. He had the Pope annul it a month or two later. LOL