Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution

The Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution is a part of the United States Bill of Rights that guarantees a right to a jury trial for civil cases in the federal courts. This amendment is rooted in the English common law tradition, which has long recognized the role of juries in civil cases. Ratified on December 15, 1791, as part of the Bill of Rights, the Seventh Amendment applies to federal cases, with its applicability in state courts being a matter of state law and interpretation following the incorporation doctrine.

Text

The text of the Seventh Amendment reads:

"In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law."

Background

The Seventh Amendment was proposed by the First Congress as part of a broader package of amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, intended to safeguard individual liberties and address concerns raised by the Anti-Federalists during the ratification of the United States Constitution. The Anti-Federalists were worried about the expansive powers of the new federal government, particularly in the absence of specific protections for certain fundamental rights, including the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

Interpretation and Scope

The amendment's requirement for a jury trial applies to civil cases that are considered "suits at common law," a term that refers to the nature of the lawsuit as understood under English common law, rather than equity or admiralty cases. The "$20" figure mentioned in the amendment is not adjusted for inflation; however, the principle behind this figure—to ensure jury trials for only significant matters—remains influential in the legal system.

The phrase "no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined" has been interpreted to mean that once a jury has made a factual determination, its finding is binding, and cannot be re-examined by another jury or a judge, except under the rules of common law, which typically involve procedures for appeals or for requesting a new trial under certain limited circumstances.

Application

While the Seventh Amendment itself applies only to federal courts, the principles of jury trials in civil cases have been applied to state courts through the Fourteenth Amendment and the doctrine of incorporation. However, the specific protections and the manner in which the Seventh Amendment is applied can vary significantly from one state to another.

Contemporary Relevance

The Seventh Amendment remains a vital part of American jurisprudence, ensuring that citizens have the right to a jury trial in certain civil cases. This right is seen as a crucial check on judicial power, allowing laypersons to participate in the legal process and to have a say in the administration of justice. Despite changes in society and the legal system, the fundamental principle behind the Seventh Amendment—protecting the right to a jury trial in civil cases—continues to be an important aspect of the American legal landscape. Template:US-constitution-stub