Which historical document first established legal rights in England?

The Magna Carta is the historical document that first established legal rights in England. Signed in 1215, it is often considered a foundational text in the development of constitutional law. The Magna Carta limited the powers of the king and established principles such as the right to a fair trial and the idea that no one, not even the monarch, is above the law. This document laid the groundwork for the evolution of democracy and legal rights in England and influenced many subsequent legal frameworks, not only in the UK but also around the world.

Other documents, while significant in their own right, follow the Magna Carta in terms of historical precedence. The English Bill of Rights built on earlier principles but was not created until 1689, long after the Magna Carta. The Petition of Right, established in 1628, further clarified certain rights but did not have the same foundational impact as the Magna Carta. The Act of Settlement in 1701 focused on the succession to the throne and certain judicial matters, but it did not create new legal rights in the same way the Magna Carta did. Thus, the Magna Carta holds a unique position as the first significant legal document that delineated rights in England.