Question

(20) For a trivial offence, a free man shall be fined only in proportion to the degree of his offence, and for a serious offence correspondingly, but not so heavily as to deprive him of his livelihood. . . . (21) Earls and barons shall be fined only by their equals, and in proportion to the gravity of their offence. –English translation of the Magna Carta, courtesy of the British Library Use the text to answer the question. How does this excerpt reflect the benefits and drawbacks of the Magna Carta?

Answer 1

The drawbacks would be that many would be excused from harsh punishment as they will be fined in proportion to their case; and by Earls and Barons being fined only by their class, it allows those classes to get away with their actions whenever they do something to a lower class. The benefits would be the same as the drawbacks, less punishment and the ability to get away with crimes.