The Right to a Jury Trial: The Seventh Amendment

By entrusting a jury of ordinary and impartial citizens to decide the outcome of lawsuits, the Seventh Amendment removed the power from judges, who could potentially be swayed and corrupted. It levels the playing field, guaranteeing that each citizen’s voice and interests carry as much weight as that of a wealthy individual, major corporation, or powerful government. The historical context that motivated the drafting and passage of this amendment is discussed. Contemporary, straight-from-the-headlines cases illustrate the relevance of the Seventh Amendment and its application to cases involving consumer protection, environmental cleanup, medical malpractice, and corporate wrongdoing.