The U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a right to housing, but a federal appeals court has ruled that the government cannot prosecute homeless people for sleeping in public places when there is no shelter available. The Supreme Court is now considering overturning that ruling.
If the Supreme Court overturns the 9th Circuit’s ruling, it will roll back long-standing limitations on cruel and unusual punishment. It could also lead to more homeless people being arrested and incarcerated.
Advocates for homeless people argue that criminalizing homelessness is not only cruel and inhumane, but also ineffective. They say that jail does not solve the problem of homelessness and that it only makes it more difficult for people to get back on their feet.
The Supreme Court’s decision in this case will have a major impact on the lives of homeless people across the country. It is a case that will be closely watched by advocates for the homeless, as well as by cities and towns that are struggling to address the issue of homelessness.
