Obergefell v. Hodges

Definition

Obergefell v. Hodges is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage across the United States. The ruling asserted that the right to marry is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution, specifically under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case consolidated multiple lawsuits from same-sex couples challenging state bans on same-sex marriage in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Tennessee.
2. The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision, with Justice Anthony Kennedy writing the majority opinion, emphasizing liberty and personal autonomy.
3. Obergefell v. Hodges was celebrated as a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, reflecting a broader shift in public opinion toward acceptance of same-sex marriage.
4. The ruling invalidated state laws prohibiting same-sex marriage, requiring all states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and recognize their marriages performed in other jurisdictions.
5. The decision underscored the role of the judiciary in protecting individual rights against state interference, reinforcing the importance of constitutional protections.

Review Questions

• How did Obergefell v. Hodges reflect changes in societal attitudes towards same-sex marriage leading up to its ruling?
  • Obergefell v. Hodges showcased a significant shift in societal attitudes toward same-sex marriage, with growing public support and increasing acceptance reflected in polls leading up to the case. By 2015, many states had already legalized same-sex marriage, indicating a shift from traditional views. This evolving sentiment provided a strong context for the Supreme Court's ruling, demonstrating how judicial decisions can align with or respond to changes in public opinion.
• Discuss how the deliberation process within the Supreme Court influenced the outcome of Obergefell v. Hodges.
  • The deliberation process in Obergefell v. Hodges was marked by intense discussions among justices about fundamental rights and equality. The justices examined past precedents, including Lawrence v. Texas and Baker v. Nelson, weighing their implications on personal liberty and state rights. Ultimately, the majority opinion articulated a vision of marriage as an essential aspect of individual dignity, which swayed justices like Anthony Kennedy to advocate for broadening civil rights protections through this landmark ruling.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Obergefell v. Hodges on the interpretation of personal autonomy and intimate relationships in American jurisprudence.
  • Obergefell v. Hodges set a critical precedent for personal autonomy and intimate relationships within American jurisprudence by firmly establishing marriage as a fundamental right. This decision not only legitimized same-sex marriages but also reinforced the notion that individuals have the right to make personal choices regarding intimate relationships free from government interference. In the long run, this case is likely to influence future rulings on privacy rights and other matters related to personal autonomy, paving the way for ongoing discussions about equality and civil liberties.

Related terms

Fourteenth Amendment:

A constitutional amendment that addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, forming the basis for many civil rights cases.

Baker v. Nelson: A 1971 Supreme Court case that dismissed a same-sex marriage claim, setting a precedent that was later challenged in Obergefell v. Hodges.

Lawrence v. Texas:

A 2003 Supreme Court decision that invalidated laws criminalizing consensual same-sex conduct, contributing to the legal groundwork for Obergefell v. Hodges.