Final answer:
The U.S. Supreme Court hears cases that have broad implications for federal law and constitutional interpretation. Significant examples include Obergefell v. Hodges, Brown v. Board of Education, and Roe v. Wade, which have shaped civil rights and social policies in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the nation, and it hears a variety of cases, many of which could have significant impacts on federal law or the interpretation of the Constitution. Here are three instances of such cases:
- Obergefell v. Hodges (2015): This landmark case legalized same-sex marriage across the United States, demonstrating the Supreme Court's role in addressing social and constitutional issues.
- Brown v. Board of Education: One of the most famous cases in Supreme Court history, it declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional.
- Roe v. Wade: This controversial decision ruled that restrictive state regulation of abortion is unconstitutional, showcasing the Court's power in interpreting the Constitution and its amendments.
Cases are often selected through a process known as a writ of certiorari, where cases are reviewed if there's a constitutional question or if laws have been interpreted differently in lower courts. Additionally, cases that involve ambassadors, other high-ranking officials, or a state can go directly to the Supreme Court.