The Right to a Jury Trial The Minnesota Constitution, Article I, Section 4 guarantees a jury trial in the state court system. The right of the defendant to fair legal process includes having his or her fate determined by “a jury of peers,” meaning representative members of the community.
Any party may demand a trial by jury of any issue triable of right by a jury by (1) serving upon the other parties a demand therefor in writing at any time after the commencement of the action and not later than 10 days after the service of the last pleading directed to such issue, and (2) filing the demand as required ...
The constitution grants a defendant the right to a 'speedy trial'. Sometimes, the court system can be frustratingly slow when it comes to finishing up a case. A jury trial demand is simply a request that a date be set for a jury trial.
Generally speaking, if there are no factual issues in dispute, a court trial would serve you well. When there are disputed facts, you normally have a better chance convincing a jury than a judge to see things your way. Remember, a jury is strictly the finder of facts in a trial.
(a) All automatic excuses or disqualifications from jury service are eliminated except as provided in Rule 808. (2) they request to be excused because their service would be a continuing hardship to them or to members of the public and they are excused for this reason by the jury commissioner.
Amendment Seven to the Constitution was ratified on December 15, 1791. It protects the right for citizens to have a jury trial in federal courts with civil cases where the claim exceeds a certain dollar value. It also prohibits judges in these trials from overruling facts revealed by the jury.