Constitution Day, September 17, is the anniversary of the day in 1787 when the United States Constitution was signed. Though the Bill of Rights was not ratified until 1791, Sidelines will be breaking down one of the first ten amendments each day between now and September 17.
The 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.
The Meaning:
The seventh amendment regulates civil suits, ensuring that suits between two citizens are based off of federal law and are over matters of at least $20.
The Effect:
The seventh amendment prevents frivolous civil suits and, by mandating civil suits follow federal law, provides a clear set of rules for conducting these suits. The federal standards provide fair and consistent standards for filing and determining civil matters. As a result, fewer civil matters are taken to court and the ones that do make it to court are determined more fairly.
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To contact news editor Sarah Grace Taylor, email newseditor@mtsusidelines.com.
