The Magna Carta is heralded as a hallmark of freedoms and liberties. It’s also considered a foundation for the rule of law.
For the next two weeks, Jacksonville will be home to a traveling national exhibit celebrating the 800th anniversary of the document sealed by the King of England that influenced history.
Called “Magna Carta: Enduring Legacy 1215-2015,” it’s on the ground level of the Duval County Courthouse and comprises 16 freestanding banners that tell the story of the document and its influence.
An eight-minute video presentation also has been set up to inform curious parties about the document’s history and legacy relating to the rule of law.
The exhibit is from the American Bar Association and it’s curated by the Library of Congress. Jacksonville is its only stop in Florida.
“It’s a big deal for Jacksonville. We were fortunate to get it,” said Circuit Judge Thomas Beverly, president of the Chester Bedell American Inn of Court.
The organization raised $10,000 to bring the exhibit to Jacksonville and received support several area law firms.
In addition to the funding, part of the criteria was to have a location open and accessible to the public — and the courthouse fit the bill.
Across the country it is being placed in other courthouses, statehouses, law schools, libraries and other venues.
The American Inns of Court had a contest about the principles of the rule of law when the local chapter learned of the exhibit, said attorney Corrine Hodak, who helped spearhead the initiative.
There will be a brief opening ceremony at 4 p.m. Tuesday featuring a keynote address by U.S. District Judge Harvey Schlesinger.
“It is a link between centuries of legal history and legal development for residents,” Beverly said. “It kind of gives you goose bumps.”
The contributing organizations were: Jacksonville Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates; Bedell, Dittmar, Devault, Pillians & Coxe; Edwards & Ragatz, the Law Office of W.C. Gentry; Corinne Hodak; Holland & Knight; the Jacksonville Bar Association; Rogers Towers; Spohrer & Dodd; and Terrell Hogan.
The educational exhibit is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and runs through Nov. 7.
For planned trips, call Hodak at (904) 399-2008.
@writerchapman
(904) 356-2466