Justices to consider constitutionality of punishing people for sleeping outside as western states seek to address encampments
A case that could significantly change how US cities respond to the growing homelessness crisis has reached the supreme court as record numbers of people in America find themselves without a permanent place to live.
The justices on Monday will consider a challenge to rulings from a California-based appeals court that found punishing people for sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking amounts to unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment.
The case stems from a 2019 camping ban enacted by city officials in Grants Pass, Oregon, a small mountain town where rents are rising and there is just one overnight shelter for adults. Debra Blake, who had lost her job a decade earlier and was unhoused, was cited for illegal camping. After being convicted and fined, she soon joined other unhoused residents in suing the city over the ordinance.
It would seem that doing the morally right thing here would have far reaching affects. However, I too, don’t see how we could consider homelessness a crime. That’s just too far. Those folks basically have nothing left to lose. Not a great combo if you want to keep the peace.