What is a significant outcome of the Supreme Court's decisions?

The Supreme Court's decisions are significant primarily because they set legal precedents that guide the interpretation and application of the law in future cases. When the Court issues a ruling, it establishes a legal standard or principle that lower courts are expected to follow, creating consistency in the judicial system. This function is central to common law systems, where past court decisions influence future rulings.

Legal precedents play a critical role in shaping the law, as similar cases subsequently rely on these established interpretations to ensure fairness and predictability in legal proceedings. This is why the decisions made by the Supreme Court can have long-lasting effects on American law and society, as they inform not only how laws are applied in individual cases but also how they are understood and potentially reformed over time.