The Magna Carta established the concept that a ruler should be subject to the law. This idea has developed over the last 800 years into the concept of the rule of law. Many legal documents have been inspired by the words and ideas of the Magna Carta.

Even though the Magna Carta was never intended to be a charter of human rights, it is seen by many as a document which makes a powerful statement about achieving liberty and freedom from tyranny by having a legal system based on the rule of law.