TRIAL BY JURY DEFINED
Rule 56.Trial by Jury
Current through June 1, 2026 · Last verified July 11, 2026
In one sentenceSets the size of a civil jury in circuit court at twelve members, drops that number to six when the amount in controversy is under $10,000, and lets the parties stipulate to a smaller jury or to a verdict by a stated majority of jurors.
Full Text of Rule 56
A. Twelve-person juries. A trial jury in the circuit court is a body of 12 persons drawn as provided in Rule 57. The parties may stipulate that a jury shall consist of any number less than 12 or that a verdict or finding of a stated majority of the jurors shall be taken as the verdict or finding of the jury.
B. Six-person juries. Notwithstanding section A of this rule, a jury in circuit court shall consist of six persons if the amount in controversy is less than $ 10,000.
Amendment History
[CCP 12/2/78; amended by 1995 c.658, § 119 7/18/95]
Plain-English Summary
Rule 56 sets the size of a civil jury in Oregon's circuit courts. The standard jury has twelve members, chosen through the selection process Rule 57 lays out. When the amount in controversy is less than $10,000, the rule cuts that number to six, matching jury size to the stakes of the case.
The rule also lets the parties depart from these numbers by agreement. They may stipulate to a jury smaller than twelve, and they may agree that a verdict or finding reached by some stated majority of the jurors — rather than the usual threshold — will stand as the jury's verdict or finding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many jurors sit on a civil jury in Oregon?
Twelve, unless the amount in controversy is less than $10,000, in which case the jury has six members. Parties may also agree to a different number.
Can the parties agree to a smaller jury than the rule requires?
Yes. Rule 56 lets the parties stipulate to a jury of any number smaller than twelve.
Does the $10,000 threshold change how the jury reaches a verdict?
No. Rule 56 only sets jury size; how many jurors must agree on a verdict is addressed in Rule 59, unless the parties stipulate to a different majority under Rule 56 itself.
Where does the process for selecting the jury come from?
Rule 57, which Rule 56 itself points to, covers examination, challenges, oaths, and alternates.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure (ORCP 56). Prescribed by the Council on Court Procedures (ORS 1.735), subject to amendment, repeal, or supplementation by the Oregon Legislative Assembly. The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 11, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: oregon jury sizesix person jury oregontwelve person jury civil casehow many jurors civil trial oregonamount in controversy jury size