Magna Carta: Rules and Order Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Clause.Sentence)

Quote #1

Ordinary lawsuits shall not follow the royal court around, but shall be held in a fixed place. (17.1)

Rule and order step one: make it so that people can actually get to a courtroom.

Quote #2

There shall be standard measures of wine, ale, and corn (the London quarter), throughout the kingdom. There shall also be a standard width of dyed cloth, russet, and haberject, namely two ells within the selvedges. Weights are to be standardised similarly. (35.1-3)

This clause might seem a bit random, but if you're going to start making rules, weights and measurements might not be a bad place to start. This time period is known for having completely arbitrary and made-up systems of measurement that changed frequently.

Quote #3

In future nothing shall be paid or accepted for the issue of a writ of inquisition of life or limbs. It shall be given gratis, and not refused. (36.1-2)

Having rules is good, but you're also going to have to enforce them and investigate when they've been broken. That's kind of what a government does.

Quote #4

We will appoint as justices, constables, sheriffs, or other officials, only men that know the law of the realm and are minded to keep it well. (45.1)

So, part of rule and order is not picking your friends for all the cool jobs (where they get to accept bribes and collect taxes all day).

Quote #5

The barons shall elect twenty-five of their number to keep, and cause to be observed with all their might, the peace and liberties granted and confirmed to them by this charter. (61.1)

Even kings needed oversight. They just didn't know it yet.