US Supreme Court to review constitutionality of fining homeless for sleeping outdoors.
The US Supreme Court is set to consider whether cities can fine homeless individuals for sleeping in parks and on sidewalks. Record numbers of homelessness have prompted this case, with a California-based appeals court previously ruling that punishing people for sleeping outside without shelter amounts to unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment. Officials in states with a high homeless population argue the ruling restricts them from implementing measures to control homeless encampments. However, advocacy groups maintain that such decisions provide essential legal protections, particularly as housing costs continue to rise.
April 19, 2024
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