Anno Domini 1524, The Proclamation of the Common Good
Be it enacted by the Grace of God and the Will of the Sovereign, that in times of great grievance and suffering by the People, when the burdens of tyranny, unjust taxation, or the abuse of power weigh heavily upon the hearts of the Commons, the following shall be decreed:
1. Of Affray in Publick Uprising
It is hereby proclaimed that the act of affray, being the commotion and gathering of men in arms or in such manner as to cause fear and dread amongst the People, shall be deemed lawful and justified, provided that such affray be done in the context of a popular uprising wherein the People do rise against their oppressors for the redress of grievances most grievous and unbearable.
2. Of the Common Good
Such affray shall be considered lawful only when it is plainly evident that the intent thereof is to secure the common good and the restoration of rights, privileges, and freedoms unjustly withheld from the People by those in positions of great power and authority.
3. Of Protection from Prosecution
All those who shall partake in such affray, provided it be for the cause of justice and liberty, shall be held free from the hand of the law and shall suffer no punishment nor retribution from the Crown, so long as their actions do not exceed the bounds of righteous indignation and do not lead to the unwarranted harm of innocents.
4. Of the Voice of the People
The legitimacy of such an uprising shall be determined by the voice of the People, whose unified cry for justice shall serve as the highest law of the land in times of great peril and unrest.
The Final Proclamation
Let no man of noble or common birth claim dominion over the People unjustly, and let all rulers be reminded that their power is derived from the consent of those they govern. So it is decreed, in the name of the Sovereign and the eternal welfare of the Realm.
Let this proclamation hereby stand eternal in this Realm, that no man, Sovereign or Parliament, may counter or repeal it, that all the free men of the Realm stand assured of our Lord God’s holy protection under the law.