The majority state that ordinances barring homeless encampments do not constitute “cruel and unusual punishment.“
The Supreme Court has ruled that city ordinances barring camping on public property by anyone do not qualify as cruel or unusual punishment against homeless people.
Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote the majority opinion, stating that the Eighth Amendment “serves many important functions, but it does not authorize federal judges” to “dictate this Nation’s homelessness policy.” According to the decision, such policy is the task of the American people.
The case involved the city ordinance of Grants Pass, Oregon, which does not permit camping on public property by anyone, regardless of their state of housing. Those who violate the law will be fined and repeat offenders may be prosecuted on criminal trespassing charges.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated that an average of over 600,000 people in the United States were homeless per night in 2023.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the justices of the Supreme Court to be led by the Lord as they determine which cases to accept in the fall term.
- For federal judges to be discerning regarding the rulings they issue over questions of constitutionality.
Sources: SCOTUSBlog, USA Today
