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. 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.In ALL California courts, including San Diego Superior Court, if a plaintiff wants a jury trial they must ask for it in the complaint. All persons accused of a crime or involved in a civil dispute have a constitutional right to have a jury decide their cases. About Federal Courts. Court Role and Structure The judicial branch is one of the three separate and distinct branches of the federal government. This course focuses on the knowledge and skills required to litigate criminal cases in the California trial courts. The Fourth Amendment, which applies to the City of San.