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A pedestrian walks past an encampment of tents in Portland, Oregon, in a file photo from January. (Patrick T. Fallon - AFP / Getty Images)

Supreme Court Set to Decide Case That Could Criminalize Homeless Encampments

By Randy DeSoto April 26, 2024 at 10:01am

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Monday regarding a case that could have major implications for how communities address homelessness.

At issue in the case is whether a city ordinance in Grants Pass, Oregon, against sleeping and camping in public spaces, with a fine of $250 and jail time, amounts to a violation of the guarantee against “cruel and unusual punishment” under the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

“City officials stepped up enforcement of local laws in 2013 after residents began to complain about people sleeping, urinating and defecating outside,” according to The New York Times.

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Tags:

Homeless, Oregon, Supreme Court

Randy DeSoto

Senior Staff Writer

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Randy DeSoto has written more than 3,000 articles for The Western Journal since he joined the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."

@RandyDeSoto

Randy DeSoto is the senior staff writer for The Western Journal. He wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.

Birthplace

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nationality

American

Honors/Awards

Graduated dean's list from West Point

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law

Books Written

We Hold These Truths

Professional Memberships

Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars