At the beginning of the twelfth century, the rule of law in Britain was not remotely enforced. The reigning Monarch governed with arbitrary power and British society operated on the strict distinction of social classes. These inequalities ultimately resulted in the creation of the Magna Carta 1215 and later the Bill of Rights 1688. These documents were the fundamental invention of, and essentially the initial step towards, the rule of law.
The rule of law is an idea that requires a series of social and political values. First of these is the concept that law should govern society, rather than society existing in a state of anarchy. Secondly, the idea that everyone should be equally subject before the law. Thirdly, that there should be a separation of powers between the legislature, judiciary, and executive. Fourthly, that the application, promulgation, and procedure of laws are evident. And lastly, that those whom make the law should be democratically elected so that all people have at least an indirect involvement to the manner they are governed. These concepts were introduced with the creation of the Magna Carta and also in the Bill of Rights. .
Although primitive and intrinsically exclusive to the powerful aristocracy, the design of the Magna Carta established the beginnings of rule of law in Britain. The Magna Carta is a document that marked a decisive step forward in the development of a constitutional government. The barons, faced with the detrimental costs of King John's failed military initiatives into Normandy, rallied to stop the arbitrary power of the Monarch from inflicting upon the aristocracy. The result was the formation of the Magna Carta. .
The Magna Carta aimed to restrict the power of the Monarchy and bestowed more power to the barons. The Magna Carta led to the rising influence and power of the baron's. These powers included a primitive system of exclusive parliamentary election (s61), and rights held only for the socially elite (s2,14).
