The Magna Carta Institute
The Magna Carta Institute researches, debates and seeks to influence some of the key political, legal and social issues of our time. Its purpose is to analyse how best to create and maintain just societies that fairly balance both personal freedom and authority, and the rights and responsibilities of individuals and society. Essentially, the Institute strives to stimulate and shape debate around some of the most important questions facing the modern world.
Eight centuries ago, the Magna Carta initiated the first constitutional legal system to limit the exercise of absolute power. It is now widely accepted as an icon of freedom under the rule of law and the cornerstone upon which many democratic societies have been built.
What is more, the impact of globalisation and the continuing worldwide political, economic and social upheaval mean the values of the Magna Carta not only continue to hold relevance, but are also becoming increasingly pertinent.
The Magna Carta Institute addresses the pressing need to analyse how these global changes affect the rights of individuals and the responsibilities of governments and institutions, and how to ensure that the core values of the Magna Carta remain at the heart of democratic debate.
The Institute acts as an international think tank, bringing together leading figures from the worlds of politics, law, business, the media, and academia. It runs major research projects as well as regular symposia and events to bring together academics, researchers, politicians, business leaders and key decision-makers to discuss fundamental issues within an environment of openness and mutual respect.
