Evolution of Individual Rights Prior to the Constitutional Convention Our Constitution and our laws are founded upon English law. That system started with the Magna Charta in 1215. Regarded as the foundation of English Constitutional Liberty, it: regulated the administration of justice, secured personal liberties and rights, set the limits of taxation, and laid down the privileges of the church. In 1297 Magna Charta was reconfirmed by King Edward as the common law of the court. Although, Magna Charta was actually dedicated to feudal rights, the freedoms of the church and cities, and protection of the Barony from the king's abus