Originally issued by King John of England (r.1199-1216) as a practical solution to the political crisis he faced in 1215, Magna Carta established for the first time the principle that everybody, including the king, was subject to the law. <span>The </span>Magna Carta<span>, first written on June 15, 1215, </span>protected<span> basic human </span>rights<span>including freedom from excessive government control and property. The </span>Magna Carta<span> was written by barons protesting ill treatment endured under the reign of King John.</span>