Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Right to Jury Trial: The right to a jury trial means that in certain cases, a person accused of a crime or involved in a civil lawsuit has the right to have their case heard by a group of ordinary people called a jury. This right is protected by the Sixth and Seventh Amendments to the United States Constitution. However, there are some exceptions to this right, such as for minor crimes or in certain types of cases. In some situations, a person can choose to give up their right to a jury trial.
The right to a jury trial is a legal right provided by the Sixth and Seventh Amendments. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a trial by an impartial jury for all criminal prosecutions. The Seventh Amendment guarantees the right to a jury trial for suits in common law if the value in controversy exceeds twenty dollars.
However, the Supreme Court has set legal precedent that excludes petty offenses from the guarantee to a jury trial in federal courts. The court has also made slight changes to certain phrases, such as with "criminal proceeding," to focus on the specific action that necessitates the inclusion of a jury. Additionally, the right to a jury trial is waivable in certain instances, but this differs depending on the jurisdiction.
On the federal level, the Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial applies to civil cases. However, states are not required to guarantee civil trials under the Seventh Amendment, though most states have the right to a civil trial in specific cases to some degree in their state constitutions.
These examples illustrate how the right to a jury trial applies in both criminal and civil cases and how it is guaranteed by the Sixth and Seventh Amendments. They also show how the value in controversy is a determining factor in whether the right to a jury trial is preserved in civil cases.