The Supreme Court appears deeply conflicted over a city's ban on homeless camping in public spaces that is meant to fight the growing homelessness crisis.
The Supreme Court appeared deeply at odds on Monday over a small city's ban on homeless people sleeping in public places, with emotional statements from the bench over society's competing civic responsibilities. It comes as jurisdictions across the nation – but especially in the West – struggle with a record double-digit surge in the homeless population. The current appeal comes from officials in Grants Pass, Oregon, with almost 40,000 residents.
The city argues its policies are fairly enforced, banning camping for everyone on public land. But homeless advocates say it criminalizes those who live outdoors without a stable place to call home. In the contentious two-and-a-half hours of arguments, the justices repeatedly questioned whether the city's law banned conduct or status – just camping on public property vs. the larger situation of being homeless. 'Your ordinance goes way beyond that,' said Justice Elena Kagan.
The case is City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson .
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