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Magna Carta Day: In the Shadow of the Great Charter
  • Date: Monday, June 15, 2015
  • Time: 4:00 pm
  • Location: William G. McGowan Theater, Washington, DC

In the Supreme Court’s 2008 ruling on whether Guantanamo detainees could be barred from U.S. courts, Justice Anthony Kennedy cited both the U.S. Constitution and the Magna Carta. Why would a 21st-century judge invoke a document signed by an English king in the 13th century? As professor and author Robert Pallitto shows, Magna Carta’s legacy in the United States reaches back to the nation’s founding, with even the colonial charters reflecting its influence and principles that protect the rights and liberty of the citizenry.

A book signing will follow the program. Purchase this book on the day of the event from the myArchives Store and receive a 15% discount (members get 20% off).

All public programs at the National Archives are free and streamed live online via the National Archives’ YouTube channel. Reservations are recommended; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors to the building will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. Click here for more information on getting to the National Archives and parking.Live captioning will be available online and in the William G. McGowan Theater. If you require an alternative or additional accommodation for an event (such as a downloadable transcript or a sign language interpreter), please send an email to public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 in advance.