The Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791, guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases. This means that when disputes arise over matters like contracts or property, individuals have the option to have their case decided by a group of peers rather than solely by a judge. Additionally, the Seventh Amendment ensures that once a jury has made a decision, that verdict cannot be re-examined by another court. This protection helps maintain the integrity of the jury's role in the legal system and upholds the principle of justice in civil matters.