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required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Sec. 7. The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate; but in civil actions, three-fourths of the jury may render a verdict, and the Legislature may provide that in all cases of misdemeanors five-sixths of the jury may render a verdict. A trial by jury may be waived in all criminal cases not amounting to felony, by the consent of both parties, expressed in open court; and in civil actions by the consent of the parties, signified in such manner as may be prescribed by law. In civil actions and cases of misdemeanor the jury may consist of twelve or of any number less than twelve, upon which the parties may agree in open court.
