Magna Carta: Tradition and Customs Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Clause.Sentence)

Quote #4

All merchants may enter or leave England unharmed and without fear, and may stay or travel within it, by land or water, for purposes of trade, free from all illegal exactions, in accordance with ancient and lawful customs. (41.1)

The lawful custom here is to not tax merchants to the point that they couldn't afford to come to England anymore. Hey, that seems fair.

Quote #5

All barons who have founded abbeys, and have charters of English kings or ancient tenure as evidence of this, may have guardianship of them when there is no abbot, as is their due. (46.1)

It's okay to exploit people and institutions, but only if you're following ancient customs that have been around so long they don't make much sense anymore. (This isn't one of the clauses that's stood the test of time.)