HIST 201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Puritans, Quartering Acts, Sugar Act
Document Summary
Definition: the state or condition of people who are able to act and speak freely the power to do or choose what you want to do a political right. Idea of liberty different for colonists and englishmen; changes over time. Magna carta: founding documents of british common law. Attempt to end civil strife; defends liberties of all free men of [their] realm aka. Ends conflict between barons and king; protection against king. Established principles like habeas corpus, trial by jury, right to face one"s accuser. Concepts become part of english common law. Applies to all free-born englishmen that own land. Basis of common law in north america. Colonists set up local courts/institutions that reflect english common law ideas. House of commons, house of lords, and king each checked the power of others. Civil wars: disagreement about whether parliament or king should rule. King james return to the throne acceptance of both powers co-existing.
