Legal Definitions - Seventh Amendment

The Seventh Amendment is a part of the United States Constitution that was ratified with the Bill of Rights in 1791. It guarantees the right to a jury trial in federal civil cases that are traditionally considered to be suits at common law and that have an amount in controversy exceeding $20.

For example, if someone sues another person for $50,000 in damages in a federal court, the Seventh Amendment guarantees that the case will be heard by a jury. The jury will then decide whether the defendant is liable for the damages and, if so, how much they should pay.

The Seventh Amendment is important because it ensures that individuals have the right to a fair trial by a jury of their peers in certain civil cases. This helps to protect their rights and ensure that justice is served.