Amendment VII
Civil Jury Trial
Ratified December 15, 1791
The Seventh Amendment applies only in federal courts and has not been incorporated against the states. It preserves the common law right to civil jury trial and restricts judicial power to set aside jury verdicts.
Full Text
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.
Annotated Version
The Bill of Rights document includes phrase highlights and court case references for this amendment.
Constitutional Framework
Original Text
U.S. Constitution
Articles I–VII (1787). The three branches, enumerated powers, and the framework these amendments modify.
Read →
Amendments I–X
Bill of Rights
Ratified December 15, 1791. Freedom of religion, speech, press, arms, due process, and more.
You are here
Amendments XI–XXVII
Later Amendments
Ratified 1795–1992. Abolition of slavery, equal protection, women's suffrage, and more.
Read →