What principle is outlined in Chapter 39 of the Magna Carta?

The principle outlined in Chapter 39 of the Magna Carta is primarily the concept of freedom from unlawful imprisonment. This landmark document, signed in 1215, established the foundation for various legal principles and rights that have influenced modern legal systems. Chapter 39 specifically states that no free man shall be captured, imprisoned, or put out of his freehold without lawful judgment by his peers or by the law of the land. This clause introduced the idea that individuals have the right to due process and safeguards against arbitrary detention, underscoring the importance of legal protections for personal liberty.

This principle serves as a cornerstone for many modern human rights laws and has been integral in shaping the legal rights regarding detention and fair trials in many democratic societies. Understanding this foundational idea can help clarify the evolution of legal protections that have emerged to safeguard individual freedoms over centuries.