The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a case that could reshape how cities in the western United States enforce penalties for homeless people camping on public property. The case, Johnson v. Grants Pass, stems from a class action lawsuit filed by homeless people against the city of Grants Pass, Oregon. The lawsuit challenged the city’s ordinances that made it a crime to sleep on sidewalks, streets, or city parks. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the homeless plaintiffs, holding that punishing people for sleeping outside when they have nowhere else to go violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
The city of Grants Pass is appealing the decision to the Supreme Court, arguing that it has led to an increase in homelessness and public safety concerns. The court heard arguments in the case on Monday, and a decision is expected later this year.
The outcome of the case could have significant implications for cities’ efforts to address homelessness. If the Supreme Court overturns the Ninth Circuit’s decision, it would free up city governments throughout the western U.S. to hand out both criminal and civil penalties to homeless people, regardless of whether there is available shelter. This could lead to an increase in the number of homeless people being cited or arrested, and could make it more difficult for them to find a place to sleep.
On the other hand, if the Supreme Court upholds the Ninth Circuit’s decision, it would provide homeless people with greater protection from criminalization. This could make it easier for them to access services and find housing, and could help to reduce the number of people living on the streets.
The Supreme Court’s decision in Johnson v. Grants Pass is expected to have a major impact on the way that cities in the western United States address homelessness. The court’s ruling could either make it easier or more difficult for cities to criminalize homelessness, and could have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of homeless people.
