Habeas Corpus Parliament facts for kids
The Habeas Corpus Parliament was an important English Parliament that met in 1679 during the reign of Charles II of England. It was the third Parliament called by King Charles II. This Parliament is famous because it passed the Habeas Corpus Act in May 1679. This act was a big step in protecting people's rights.
The Habeas Corpus Parliament met for two short periods. The first session was from March 6 to March 13, 1679. The second session ran from March 15 to May 26, 1679. The King officially ended this Parliament on July 12, 1679.
Contents
A New Parliament Begins
This Parliament started after King Charles II ended the very long Cavalier Parliament, which had been meeting since 1661. New elections were held in February 1679. Many people believed that most of the new members in the House of Commons were against the King's government.
On March 6, 1679, the Parliament met for the first time. King Charles II gave a speech to both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. He talked about what he had already done to protect the country.
The King's Speech
The King mentioned that he had already done many important things. He had removed Catholic lords from Parliament. He also said that people involved in the Popish Plot (a widespread rumor about a Catholic plan to harm the King) had been punished.
King Charles also told Parliament that he had sent away his brother, James, who was Catholic. He did this so people couldn't say he was being influenced by Catholic advice. The King wanted to protect the Protestant religion and the laws of England. He hoped this Parliament would help heal the country.
Choosing a Speaker
After several days of discussion, William Gregory was chosen as the Speaker of the House of Commons. The Speaker is like the leader of the House of Commons. This choice was a compromise between the King and the members of Parliament.
Key Actions of the Parliament
On March 25, Lord Shaftesbury, a powerful leader, gave a strong speech in the House of Lords. He warned about the dangers of Catholicism and unfair government. He also criticized the King's officials in Scotland and Ireland.
The Habeas Corpus Act
The most important thing this Parliament did was pass the Habeas Corpus Act 1679. This law was a major victory for individual freedom. It meant that a person who was arrested had the right to be brought before a judge quickly. The judge would then decide if their arrest was legal. This stopped people from being held in prison without a good reason or without knowing why they were arrested.
This act was part of a bigger effort led by Lord Shaftesbury. He and his allies wanted to stop the King's Catholic brother, James, Duke of York, from becoming the next King. They worried that James would rule England unfairly because of his religion.
The Exclusion Bill
On May 15, 1679, Lord Shaftesbury's supporters in the House of Commons introduced the Exclusion Bill. This bill was designed specifically to prevent James, Duke of York, from inheriting the throne.
When it looked like the bill might pass, King Charles II decided to use his royal power. He ended Parliament on May 27, 1679. It did not meet again before it was officially dissolved on July 12, 1679.
After the Parliament Ended
Even though Parliament had stopped meeting, an important event happened on June 22. This was the Battle of Bothwell Bridge in Scotland. The King's son, James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, led troops who defeated a rebellion by Scottish Presbyterian Covenanters. After this battle, the Duke of York, James, was sent to Scotland to take charge there.
See also
- List of parliaments of England
- English general election, 1679 (March)
