1688: The English Bill of Rights

In England, the Parliament introduces the Bill of Rights that limits the power of the monarch
and prevents torture or punishments without trial. The Bill of Rights states that it is the
government’s responsibility to represent the citizens and their own rights that they have. The
Bill firmly recognised the doctrines of common parliaments, free elections and freedom of
speech within Parliament. It also involves no right of taxation without Parliament’s agreement,
freedom from government intervention, the right of petition and fair trials for people. The main
doctrines of the Bill of Rights are still applied today. Its authority can also be seen in other
forms of human rights, such as the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and the
European Convention on Human Rights.

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