What ealier documents refer to a right to civil jury?

TRIAL BY JURY: “INHERENT AND INVALUABLE”

In the United States, there are two places where every American is supposed to be equal—at the ballot box and in the courtroom. Those are powerful rights that should be championed by every one of us regardless political affiliation because they are the very definition of a free people. Indeed, John Adams wrote, “Representative government and trial by jury are the heart and lungs of liberty. Without them we have no other fortification against being ridden like horses, fleeces like sheep, worked like cattle, and fed and clothed like swine and hounds.”

Unfortunately, equality at the ballot box is now in question. While we still adhere to “one person, one vote,” our political process is teeming with money. It is now cost prohibitive for many people to run for office, and candidates receive big money contributions. The most recent election also showed the growing influence of million-dollar, independent ad campaigns on voters. After being elected to office, lawmakers come under the influence of special interest lobbyists.

That leaves our courtrooms and trial by jury. Thomas Jefferson wrote, “I consider [trial by jury] as the only anchor yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.” It is a sentiment echoed by former U. S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist. “The right to trial by jury in civil cases at common law is fundamental to our history and jurisprudence. A right so fundamental and sacred to the citizens should be jealously guarded.”

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