Final answer:
In civil cases, lawyers must respect the client's choice regarding a jury or bench trial. The right to a jury is secured by the Seventh Amendment, but parties can waive this right. The distinction between criminal and civil cases dictates different standards of proof and rights to legal representation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a civil case, a lawyer must abide by a client's decision whether to proceed with a jury trial or a bench trial. The Seventh Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a jury in federal civil cases where the value in dispute exceeds twenty dollars. Defendants in serious crimes and federal civil cases have the right to an “impartial jury” of their peers. Courts handle criminal and civil disputes; while criminal cases deal with offenses against the state with possible incarceration, civil cases involve disputes between private parties over harm or injury, with the standard of proof being a 'preponderance of the evidence' for civil cases compared to 'beyond a reasonable doubt' in criminal cases.
Juries can sometimes provide a perspective that aligns more closely with societal norms, as opposed to a single judge who may strictly interpret the law. Furthermore, it is important to note that the right to legal representation is a fundamental aspect of both types of cases. Due to historical legal developments, even those who cannot afford an attorney are entitled to legal defense through public defenders, as established in landmark cases like Gideon v. Wainwright.