The nobility, at Runnymede, coerce John (r. 1999 – 1216) at the point of a sword, into signing the Magna Carta, Chapters 1, 12, 13, 20, 28, 35, 39 and 61 provide for,

• Independence of the Catholic Church;
• No taxation without representation;
• Respect for the liberties of the subjects of London, and throughout the realm;
• Excessive fines shall not be imposed;
• Property shall not be taken without just compensation;
• Guaranteeing a uniform standard of weights and measures;
• Freemen shall not be punished except by Trial by Jury;
• Provide due process by which the king is be confronted with transgressions against the rights of the nobility, AND the process by which the king may be overthrown.

       NOTE: This the first time in all of human history that the powers of government have been limited by contract.

       Question: Would Romans 13 Christians consider the barons standing up for their rights against a despotic king to be a sin?

       [restored 9/8/2024]