Results for: Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

The Supreme Court heard arguments on Monday in a case that could limit the rights of homeless people, but the conservative justices were divided on how far to go. The case originated in Grants Pass, Oregon, where the city passed an ordinance that prohibited sleeping outdoors with as little as a blanket. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the ordinance, ruling that it violated the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. However, the city appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the Ninth Circuit’s ruling was overly broad and was being used to limit its ability to address the growing homeless population.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could impact how western U.S. cities enforce penalties for homeless people camping on public property. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that punishing homeless individuals for sleeping in public without access to shelter violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. Grants Pass, Oregon, is appealing the decision, arguing that it has led to an increase in homelessness and public safety concerns. The court’s decision could have significant implications for cities’ efforts to address homelessness.