Magna Carta May Be Old But It Is Still Relevant, says Sir Dennis

As the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta draws near, members of the Anniversary Committee are ensuring that the Commonwealth Caribbean understands and appreciates the significance of the centuries-old document.

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Sir Charles Dennis Byron told attendees of a recent lecture that many of the clauses would be deemed as insulting by human rights activists. However, there is still some significance in the Magna Carta.

“The Magna Carta contained some 63 clauses which spanned a wide array of topics. It dealt with things like free navigation on English rivers, the standardization of weights and measures…but today, it is celebrated mainly because of two clauses, clauses 39 and clause 40,” he said.

Sir Dennis focused on the two main clauses that he believes mean most to nationals of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

“Clause 39 says ‘no free men shall be taken or imprisoned…and clause 40 which says…to no one will we sell, to no one will we refuse or delay right or justice,” he outlined.

Friday’s distinguished lecture was held at the UWI Open Campus and was attended by several high ranking legal professionals, including Resident Judge, Justice Marlene Carter.