Visit JCPCMagna Carta Mock Trial materials
Magna Carta Mock Trial materials
8 September 2015
On 31 July 2015, around 800 people witnessed a historic mock trial event to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta. The legal question was whether the 25 Magna Carta barons should be found guilty of treason, for forcing King John to agree to the terms of the charter.
The event was held in Westminster Hall, and organised jointly between the UK Supreme Court and the Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Commemoration Committee.
You can find out more about the event (without reading the outcome) elsewhere on our website via the following link:
- Magna Carta Barons prepare to face their fate as mock treason trial draws near
Video of the full trial (90 minutes) is now available on The Supreme Court's YouTube channel. We hope this will prove a useful resource for schools and colleges studying Magna Carta or rule of law issues.
The judges' decisions can be seen from around 1:09 hour into the film. Written versions are available here:
- Dame Sian Elias' judgment
- Justice Stephen Breyer's judgment
- Lord Neuberger's judgment
Useful links
- Magna Carta Barons prepare to face their fate as mock treason trial draws near
- Video of the full trial (90 minutes) on The Supreme Court's YouTube channel