Lower courts have said it's unconstitutional to punish people for sleeping outside if no shelter is available. Cities say these rulings have paralyzed their efforts to manage growing tent encampments.

In April, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a major case that could reshape how cities manage homelessness. The legal issue is whether they can fine or arrest people for sleeping outside if there’s no shelter available. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has deemed this cruel and unusual punishment, and this case is a pivotal challenge to that ruling.

The high court declined to take up a similar case in 2019. But since then, homelessness rates have climbed relentlessly. Street encampments have grown larger and have expanded to new places, igniting intense backlash from residents and businesses. Homelessness and the lack of affordable housing that’s helping to drive it have become key issues for many voters.

The case, Grants Pass v. Johnson, could have dramatic implications for the record number of people living in tents and cars across the United States.

  • Hacksaw
    113·
    10 months ago

    You’re surprised that people with no food, no shelter, no stability in life have poor manners? You’re surprised they don’t respect the society that has made them homeless and criminalized them for it?

    I’m confused here. You understand this is why the left wants to give them homes food and stability, because people who lack those things are going to destroy themselves and everything around them. People who HAVE those things can often become contributing members of society in a few years.

    They don’t have to EARN shelter and food, we give it to them because it helps US AND THEM. It’s cheaper and more ethical. Our current system pays extra to torture the homeless because people like you are “conflicted” and expect the homeless to behave themselves before we help them.