Supreme Court Ruling Allows Cities to Criminalize Homelessness in 2023

In 2023, the US Supreme Court ruled in Grants Pass v. Johnson, overturning the protections established in Martin v. Boise, which had previously deemed it cruel to criminalize homelessness without adequate shelter. This decision has led to increased evictions of homeless individuals across the United States, worsening the existing crisis of economic inequality and housing instability. Many cities, including Sacramento, are now forcing vulnerable populations into inadequate shelters, often lacking essential services. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who wrote the majority opinion, sided with various law enforcement and city officials advocating for the review of Martin v. Boise. The ruling reflects a broader trend among city councils, such as that in Grants Pass, which aim to make urban areas uncomfortable for homeless individuals, effectively pushing them out of city limits. This approach echoes historical patterns of dispossession in the United States, where marginalized groups have been systematically displaced. The Supreme Court's decision has significant implications for the estimated 650,000 homeless individuals in the country, as cities now have the legal backing to dismantle encampments and shelters. The ruling has sparked outrage among advocates for the homeless, who argue that it exacerbates an already dire situation. As homelessness continues to rise, many are questioning the effectiveness of current policies and the moral implications of criminalizing those without shelter. The situation calls for a reevaluation of strategies to address homelessness, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions that prioritize the rights and dignity of all individuals.