Obergefell v. Hodges [2015]

576 U.S. 644 (2015) · Supreme Court of the United States · United States

constitutional lawconstitutional lawfamily law

Issue

Do due process and equal protection protect same-sex marriage?

Held

Yes. Same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry.

Exam use

Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.

Summary

Landmark marriage equality and substantive due process case.

Facts

Same-sex couples challenged state marriage bans and non-recognition rules.

Issue

Do due process and equal protection protect same-sex marriage?

Held

Yes. Same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry.

Ratio Decidendi

States must license and recognize marriages between two people of the same sex.

Reasoning

Marriage is a fundamental liberty, and exclusion demeans equal dignity.

Essay-Ready Explanation Generator

Version 1 of 4

Reference to Obergefell v. Hodges (576 U.S. 644 (2015)) strengthens a constitutional law answer because the case reflects the principle that States must license and recognize marriages between two people of the same sex. Applied to a problem question, the case should be used after identifying the issue as Do due process and equal protection protect same-sex marriage? The stronger essay move is to connect the material facts to the court's holding, then explain whether the present facts support the same conclusion or justify distinguishing the authority.

Significance

Landmark marriage equality and substantive due process case.

Related Cases

No related cases listed.

Exam Tips

Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.

Revision Checklist

  • Name the issue before discussing facts so the marker sees the legal question immediately.
  • State the holding in one sentence, then use the ratio to explain why the court reached that result.
  • Use the citation and jurisdiction to show why this authority matters for the problem you are answering.
  • Pair this case with one supporting or contrasting authority if the question tests limits, policy, or exceptions.

Sources