7th Amendment

Even where a statement of fact is in dispute and tried before a jury, the judge has a role in deciding the verdict. The Supreme Court has held that judges may opine on the facts in dispute, provided that the jury actually determines the dispute; may direct the jury to pay special attention to certain evidence; and may require the jury to answer specific questions about the case in addition to giving a verdict. If the judge considers the plaintiff's evidence insufficient, the judge may direct the jury to find in the defendant's favor.