Seventh Amendment
Quick Definition: Seventh Amendment
“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.”
Key points
- Applies to federal civil cases, preserving the right to a jury trial in common law suits involving more than $20.
- Prevents courts from overturning a jury’s factual findings except under common law standards.
- Not incorporated to the states — most state civil trials are governed by state constitutions and rules.
FAQ
- Does this apply to criminal trials? No, it applies only to civil lawsuits in federal courts.
- Can a judge override a jury’s decision? Only under strict legal standards, such as legal error or insufficient evidence.
- Is the $20 threshold still enforced? Yes technically, but it’s outdated and rarely relevant in modern practice.
