Supreme Court of the United States
Feltner v. Columbia Pictures Television, Inc.
March 31, 1998523 U.S. 340
Summary
The Court held that the Seventh Amendment guarantees a right to a jury trial when a copyright owner elects statutory damages under 17 U.S.C. §504, including a jury determination of the amount of those damages. Accordingly, the Court reversed the Ninth Circuit and remanded for a jury trial on statutory damages. Justice Scalia filed a concurring opinion disagreeing with the majority’s construction of the statute.
Holding
- Whether the Seventh Amendment provides a right to a jury trial, including determination of the amount, for statutory damages under 17 U.S.C. §504(e).. Yes; the Seventh Amendment guarantees a jury trial on all issues pertaining to statutory damages, including the amount awarded.
Docket 96-1768