The Magna Carta is a 1215 charter that limited the English king's power and required him to submit to the rule of law. It established that the king was not above the law and guaranteed certain legal rights and protections for citizens, such as habeas corpus and restrictions on taxation. The Magna Carta was issued by King John after barons captured and forced him to agree to its terms, which demonstrated that royal power could be limited by a written agreement. It had important influence on laws today and was a first step toward democracy and guaranteeing political, religious, and individual rights for all.