In December 2023, David Carpenter, a medieval history professor at King's College London, discovered an authentic original copy of the 1300 Magna Carta in Harvard Law Library's digital archives. Initially mislabeled, the document was bought at a mere $27.50 in 1946. The finding is monumental due to the Magna Carta's pivotal role in shaping legal principles, including the rights to due process and protections against arbitrary imprisonment. Carpenter highlighted its uniqueness as "the final emphatic Magna Carta," emphasizing its critical place in history and its influence on the U.S. Constitution.
Carpenter described his initial reaction upon discovering the document, stating, "Oh, my God, this isn't known at all," highlighting the significance of his finding.
The discovery of the Magna Carta copy is exceptional, as Carpenter noted, "It is, in a way, the last Magna Carta ... the final emphatic Magna Carta," showcasing its historical importance.
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