The jury system was developed by King Henry II. He replaced feudal justice with a grand jury, courts, and jury trials. He wanted to strengthen the authority of royalty, but he furthered democracy instead.
The Magna Carta (1215) limited royal power and stated that the king cannot put a free person in jail with judgment by his peers, and a king cannot levy taxes without asking the Great Council. King John was forced to sign this document by feudal lords who felt he was a despot and that he violated their rights. The Magna Carta came into effect for all English people and was the cornerstone of their democracy.
Model Parliament (1295): King Edward I allowed middle-class representatives into the Great Council so he could place taxes upon them, and still have the loyalty of the wealthy middle class people.
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