Question

se the excerpt from the Supreme Court majority opinion in Obergefell v. Hodges, written by Justice Kennedy, to answer the question.

Which element in the excerpt suggests that stare decisis, or court precedent, was consulted?
the discussion of various constitutional principles
the discussion of various constitutional principles

the discussion of specific claims and evidence from earlier cases
the discussion of specific claims and evidence from earlier cases

the reference to past cases that ruled on the topic of marriage
the reference to past cases that ruled on the topic of marriage

the reference to earlier, lower court decisions

Answer 1

the reference to past cases that ruled on the topic of marriage

Explanation: stare decisis is reliance on precedent, so citing prior court decisions about marriage shows the Court consulted earlier rulings.