Just a reminder that Ms. Magna Carta is hosting the John Robson event tomorrow, October 6, at noon in McLennan Ross Hall (Rooms 231/237). Come by over your lunch hour for a screening of a half-hour abridged version of Mr. Robson’s documentary, “Magna Carta: Our Shared Legacy of Liberty”. Mr. Robson will also speak after the movie, as well as answer questions from the audience. We look forward to seeing you there!
In anticipation of this event, Mr. Robson answered a few questions about his documentary and the Magna Carta. Please see below for his responses and come to our event tomorrow to hear what else he has to say about the Magna Carta!
1. What inspired you to choose the Magna Carta as the topic for your most recent documentary?
The 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta was an ideal opportunity to remind ourselves of where we came from and where we might be going if we forget our roots. The tone of the celebrations is much more muted than for the 700th anniversary and, in too many respects, we’re now inventing new “rights” that undermine traditional ones instead of building on sound foundations.
2. Why do you think it is important for all Canadians, including law students and lawyers, to learn about the Magna Carta today?
Liberty is the foundation of a decent society. It has given us everything we cherish today. But it’s in trouble as our understanding of freedom crumbles. As Edward Coke said, from the old fields the new corn must come. And if people including legal practitioners don’t understand why things work today, they will find it hard to make sure they keep working tomorrow.
3. What is your favourite clause of the Magna Carta and why?
The promise of no taxation without representation. Important as the guarantees of due process, security of the person and property rights are, the one about “scutage” and “aid”, though quaintly put, expresses clearly the most basic point, that citizens own the government not the other way around. It’s the basis for enforcing all the other guarantees. And if we can recapture the notion of Parliament as a check on the executive rather than an empowering agent for it, we can restore self-government as it is meant to work.
