Final answer:
Legal challenges brought on behalf of groups of people are known as class action lawsuits. These are applied by interest groups to influence public policy and address civil rights violations, with historic examples including Brown v. Board of Education and the fight for same-sex marriage equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Legal challenges on behalf of groups of people are often called class action lawsuits. These legal actions allow groups who have similar grievances to merge their cases into one lawsuit. This approach is cost-effective and also encompasses those who might not be aware they have a valid claim.
Interest groups, such as labor unions, civil rights organizations like the NAACP, and others often initiate such lawsuits to influence public policy and seek judicial relief for large groups of people whose civil rights have been violated. An historic example is the Brown v. Board of Education case, which led to desegregation in public schools.
Civil Rights have often been championed by interest groups through class action suits, such as cases for equal treatment for women's sports under Title IX, or the fight for same-sex marriage equality. These efforts can lead to significant shifts in public opinion and government policy, spearheading social justice and equality movements.