Final answer:
The Magna Carta was a crucial document signed in 1215 that checked the powers of the king, established trial by jury, and introduced due process, laying the groundwork for modern legal systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Magna Carta, signed by King John of England in 1215, was a seminal document that limited monarchical power and established the foundation for legal principles such as the guarantee of trial by jury and due process. Originally intended to protect the rights of English barons, it has since become recognized as a cornerstone of liberty, influencing judicial systems worldwide, including the U.S. Constitution. It also set precedence for the notion that no free man could be penalized except by lawful judgment of his peers or by the law of the land, bolstering social order and contributing to England's economic well-being.