Eighth Amendment

Supreme Court allows cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside

The recent Supreme Court ruling allowing cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside has sparked a wave of controversy and mixed emotions among the public. As someone who has experienced homelessness personally, this decision strikes a chord deep within me. The ruling, authored by Gorsuch and joined by other conservative justices, goes against the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ previous stance that such bans violate the Eighth Amendment in areas with insufficient shelter space.

The case originated in Grants Pass, Oregon, a town struggling with a high poverty rate and limited resources. The local ordinances fined individuals for sleeping outside, leading to overcrowded public parks with tents.… Continue reading