WASHINGTON — Same-sex marriage is returning to the Supreme Court, as the court’s nine justices meet privately Monday to consider hundreds of petitions for the upcoming new term.

The most anticipated of them would test whether the Constitution encompasses a right of same-sex couples to marry.

“It’s inevitable at this point that the court will recognize marriage equality,” said David Cole, a liberal professor at Georgetown University Law Center. “The question is when.”

In truth, other key questions include who, which, how and how far?

Specifically: Who will argue the cases and, perhaps, reap the glory? Which state bans, in particular, will be the focus? How will the court reason in its final decision, and how far will the decision-making extend?

During their “long conference,” which precedes the Oct. 6 start of the court’s new term, the justices will consider seven petitions involving state bans on same-sex marriage. Lower appellate courts struck down the marriage restrictions in Utah, Virginia, Oklahoma, Indiana and Wisconsin.

While there’s not yet the circuit split that reliably invites Supreme Court action, and a circuit court is still considering bans in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee, many expect the high court to act.

“You’ve got a chaotic legal situation,” said attorney Michael Carvin, who has argued on behalf of conservative causes before the Supreme Court. “I think they’ll take the case as a fish-or-cut-bait time.”

At least four justices must agree for a petition to be granted, and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a same-sex marriage supporter, cautioned recently that “there is no rush” yet.

In theory, the justices could announce this week if they will hear the same-sex marriage argument. More likely, they could take several weeks while they get everything lined up.

At least two cases could be selected for back-to-back oral arguments sometime next year. Several issues are in play as the court weighs the different cases.