What must a party do to ensure their right to a jury trial in a civil trial?

To ensure the right to a jury trial in a civil case, a party must provide a written demand within 14 days after the last pleading. This requirement is based on California Rule of Court, which outlines the procedural steps necessary to preserve the right to a jury trial. The timely filing of a written demand serves as a formal indication of the party's intention to have the issues decided by a jury, ensuring that both the court and the opposing party are put on notice.

Filing a notice of intent to seek a jury trial 30 days before the trial is not correct because the timeframe does not align with the requirements established for making a jury demand. Requesting a jury trial in the initial complaint is also not sufficient on its own, as a written demand must be made following the last responsive pleading. Lastly, submitting a motion for a jury trial during the trial does not comply with procedural rules, as the right to a jury trial needs to be asserted in a timely manner prior to the trial commencing. Thus, providing the written demand within the specified timeframe is key to securing the right to a jury trial in a civil case.