FRCP · Rule 38

FRCP Rule 38

Quick Answer

What is FRCP Rule 38?

Explore the provisions of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 38, which guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

Source: FRCP Rule 38

Official Text
Rule 38 - Right to a Jury Trial. (a) Right Preserved. The right to a jury trial as declared by the Seventh Amendment to the Constitution—or as provided by a federal statute—is preserved to the parties inviolate. (b) Demand. On any issue triable of right by a jury, a party may demand a jury trial by: (1) serving the other parties with a written demand which must be filed no later than 14 days after the last pleading directed to the issue is served; and (2) the filing of the demand. (c) Waiver. A party waives a jury trial unless its demand is properly served and filed.
Plain Language

FRCP Rule 38 guarantees parties the right to a jury trial in civil cases as outlined in the Seventh Amendment. To secure this right, a party must file a written demand for a jury trial within 14 days following the last pleading related to the issue.

Purpose

This rule aims to protect the constitutional right to a jury trial in civil actions, ensuring that parties have the opportunity to resolve disputes through a jury when appropriate.

Key Provisions

Right Preserved (Section a)

This provision affirms the right to a jury trial as protected by the Seventh Amendment and federal statutes.

Demand (Section b)

This section outlines the procedure for a party to demand a jury trial, requiring a written demand served within a specific time frame.

Waiver (Section c)

Parties waive their right to a jury trial if they fail to make a proper demand within the designated time.

Practice Notes
  • Ensure that your demand for a jury trial is filed and served within 14 days to avoid waiving your right.
  • Check if the issue at hand is indeed triable by jury before filing a demand.
  • Remember that state laws may have different provisions concerning jury trials; review local rules along with Rule 38.
Landmark Cases

Colgrove v. Battin

This case reaffirmed the right to a jury trial under Rule 38 and clarified the circumstances under which it can be waived.

Beacon Theatres, Inc. v. Westover

The ruling emphasized that a party asserting a jury trial right should have that right preserved unless explicitly waived.

Exam Tip

On exams, focus on the requirements and procedures for demanding a jury trial, including the time limits and consequences of waiver.

Related Rules
  • frcp-rule-39

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