Supreme Court Gay Marriage Hearings

The Supreme Court has scheduled same-sex marriage cases from five states for consideration at its private conference Monday, indicating no hesitation to dive right into the national debate.

The justices placed cases from Utah, Oklahoma, Virginia, Indiana and Wisconsin on the list for their first conference of the 2014 term. They could have delved into some or none, preferring to wait until later in the fall.

By scheduling all for consideration simultaneously, the justices gave equal footing to the Indiana and Wisconsin cases just decided last month by the U.S....

A Supreme Court term that is starting with a lack of headline-grabbing cases may end with a blockbuster that helps define the legacy of the court under Chief Justice John Roberts.

While same-sex marriage is not yet on their agenda, the justices appear likely to take on the issue and decide once and for all whether gay and lesbian couples have a constitutional right to marry.

When the justices formally open their new term Monday, Roberts will be beginning his 10th year at the head of the court, and the...