Final answer:
The "full faith and credit" clause, found in Article IV, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, ensures judicial decisions and contracts are recognized across state lines, which is key for interstate relations and has been central to legal debates such as same-sex marriage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The clause ensuring that judicial decrees and contracts made in one state will be binding and enforceable in another is known as the "full faith and credit" clause. This clause, found in Article IV, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, plays a critical role in maintaining legal consistency and reciprocity between different states.
Congress has the authority to determine the procedures and impacts of these laws, especially when there is a conflict between state laws. Initially, this clause was not invoked frequently, but as inter-state travel increased, it became more significant. For instance, things like adoption certificates, marriage licenses, and driver's licenses are universally recognized because of this clause.
The full faith and credit clause has been a focal point in debates over interstate relations, such as the controversy regarding same-sex marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). However, the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 established that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right across all states.