Law of the land facts for kids
The phrase law of the land is a legal term. It means all the rules and laws that are active in a country or region. It's like the main set of rules everyone must follow.
This important phrase was first used in the Magna Carta, a famous document from England. Back then, it meant the laws of the kingdom. It was different from other types of laws, like Roman law.
In the United States, the Constitution says it is the "supreme law of the land." This means the Constitution is the highest law. It also connects to the idea of "due process of law," which means everyone must be treated fairly by the law.
How the Law of the Land Developed
While the Magna Carta first used the term, it truly became a strong rule during the time of Edward I of England. It soon became linked with "due process," which helps explain what the law of the land means.
Due Process and Fairness
During the rule of Edward II, a law called the Liberty of Subjects Act was made in 1354. This act said that no person could lose their land, be taken, or be put in prison without being treated fairly by the law. This idea of "due process" means that the government must follow fair rules and procedures when dealing with people.
The ideas of the law of the land and the Liberty of Subjects Act were very important in England. They were also used in the early American colonies before they became the United States. These ideas became a key part of US laws after the colonies declared their independence from England in 1776.
See also
In Spanish: Ley del país para niños
