What is the minimum controversy amount for trial by jury in civil cases as stated in the Seventh Amendment?

The Seventh Amendment of the United States Constitution addresses the right to trial by jury in certain civil cases. Specifically, it states that in suits where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right to a jury trial shall be preserved. This means that for a civil case to warrant a trial by jury, the amount in dispute must exceed this specified minimum of twenty dollars. This provision reflects the historical context of the amendment, emerging from a desire to ensure that individual rights were protected, particularly in civil matters where one party may seek redress from another. Understanding this amount is essential for recognizing the foundational principles of justice and the rights guaranteed by the Constitution during its early implementation.