Cities in the US, including Yakima and Portland, are closely watching the US Supreme Court as it hears arguments about ticketing homeless people for camping on public property. The court is reviewing an appeals court ruling that found ordinances in Grants Pass, Oregon, to be unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment. These ordinances make it illegal to camp or sleep on public property and impose fines on homeless individuals. The court is considering whether these rules violate the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for cities across the country that are struggling to find solutions to the problems caused by street camps and homelessness.
A majority of U.S. Supreme Court justices on Monday appeared inclined to side with the city of Grants Pass in northwest Oregon in a case that could have broad implications for local ordinances related to homelessness. The case originated in Grants Pass, where the city argues that its ordinance banning homeless people from sleeping outdoors is a solution to the homelessness crisis. An attorney representing a group of homeless people argued that they are involuntarily without housing due to limited shelter beds in the area. The lawyer also claimed that the ordinances criminalize homelessness through fines and potential jail time for camping or sleeping in outdoor spaces. The justices are being asked to decide whether the enforcement of the local ordinance violates the 'cruel and unusual punishment' clause of the Eighth Amendment. The outcome of this case could impact not only the city of Grants Pass but also other cities across the US, particularly in the West, that have similar ordinances and are grappling with a growing homelessness crisis. The Biden administration has taken a neutral stance on the issue, neither supporting nor opposing either party, but agreeing with the 9th Circuit decision in a related Idaho case while arguing that cities should be allowed to enforce restrictions for the health and safety of their residents.
The US has seen a 12% increase in homelessness between 2022 and 2023, with an estimated 650,000 homeless individuals, 40% of whom are unhoused. This growing issue has prompted cities nationwide to seek legal and policy solutions. The Supreme Court's ruling on the constitutionality of ticketing homeless individuals for camping on public property will provide guidance on how cities can address homelessness while respecting constitutional rights. The US Supreme Court heard arguments in an appeal by the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, regarding the legality of enforcing anti-camping laws against homeless people when there is no shelter space available. The lower court ruled that these laws violate the US Constitution's Eighth Amendment. Some conservative justices questioned the lower court's decision, while liberal justices appeared ready to side with the homeless plaintiffs. The case focuses on three ordinances in Grants Pass that prohibit sleeping in public streets, alleyways, and parks while using a blanket or bedding. Violators are fined $295 and repeat offenders can be criminally prosecuted for trespass. The Supreme Court's ruling is expected by the end of June.
The United States Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the City of Grants Pass in a case challenging its public spaces camping ordinances. The ruling allows cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outdoors in West Coast areas where shelter space is lacking. The case, City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, is considered the most significant to come before the high court in decades on the issue of homelessness. The Supreme Court's decision reverses a ruling by the San Francisco-based Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that found outdoor sleeping bans to be cruel and unusual punishment. Homeless advocates argue that the ruling will criminalize homelessness and make the crisis worse. The case originated from Grants Pass, Oregon, which appealed a ruling striking down local ordinances that fined people for sleeping outside in public parks. The ruling comes as homelessness in the United States has grown by 12% in the past year, with over 650,000 people estimated to be homeless. [c15ba85e]
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected a constitutional challenge to 'anti-camping' laws, allowing cities to punish homeless people for existing without shelter. In a 6-3 ruling, the court declared that homelessness is not protected by the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. Justice Neil M. Gorsuch wrote for the majority, stating that the Eighth Amendment does not authorize federal judges to dictate the nation's homelessness policy. Critics argue that the ruling shows a lack of empathy and detachment from the suffering of homeless individuals. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented, stating that punishing people for being homeless is inhumane and unjust. The Supreme Court's decision may embolden cities to continue punitive measures against the homeless. The case arose from the anti-camping laws of Grants Pass, Oregon, where fines and penalties were imposed on homeless individuals. The Biden administration's attempt to strike a middle path was deemed inadequate. The decision has been criticized for criminalizing poverty and ignoring the systemic issues that lead to homelessness. [1e863ec6]
