The Court ruled that the Seventh Amendment requires a jury to determine whether an entity is liable for civil penalties under the Clean Water Act. The Seventh Amendment requires civil jury trials only in federal courts.This Amendment is unusual. The judge so designated shall hear all matters prior to the trial of the case unless in the court's discretion, it assigns matters to other judges on its team. This adversely affects the defense bar in Illinois. The opinion of the Cook County Circuit Court holding that the 6-person jury statute is facially unconstitutional is here. Give up the right to a jury trial. Vail currently serves as an appointed member of the. Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases and the Illinois Bar. This resource lists the steps involved in an appeal in the Illinois state courts and it focuses on appeals from a final judgment or order.