(20) for a trivial offence, a free man shall be fined only in proportion to the degree of his offence, and for a serious offence correspondingly, but not so heavily as to deprive him of his livelihood. . (21) earls and barons shall be fined only by their equals, and in proportion to the gravity of their offence. –english translation of the magna carta, courtesy of the british library use the text to answer the question. how does this excerpt reflect the benefits and drawbacks of the magna carta?

So the excerpts reflect the idea of a fair trial in which equals shall judge each other which ensures not severe judgement that could spur from any tension among various groups. it also gives rational punishment to all who are convicted to ensure someone isn't sentenced a life sentence or given the death penalty for a small misdemeanor. but on the opposing end of the spectrum it also softens the penalty for more serious offences. this can be a problem in the instance that someone is found guilty of homicide their punishment can not be as severe as to take away their livelihood. but this early document that shape american democracy today has proven beneficial to the forging of the judicial branch. 

Did you get the answers for that test? i really need them