Ep. 190 - The Seventh Amendment

As we discussed last week, the Sixth Amendment guarantees a trial by jury in a criminal trial, among other guarantees.  The Seventh Amendment guarantees a trial by jury in federal civil cases for disputes over $20. Why were the Founders so adamant about jury trials as opposed to a single judge?  What is the difference between a civil or common law trial and a criminal trial?  What are the exceptions to a trial by jury?  And how does this apply and function in conjunction with state law? Alongside our student panel, we are delighted to welcome Eric J. Wise, partner at Alston & Bird, to help us understand the historical context, need and purpose of the Seventh Amendment.