07/03/2024
Significant decision that we will discuss in depth in upcoming webinars CONCEPT Professional Training
Today, the Supreme Court released a decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, holding that arresting and ticketing people experiencing homelessness for sleeping outside–even when no safe and accessible public shelter options exist–does not violate the Eighth Amendment’s protection against cruel and unusual punishment. This April, the Bazelon Center joined organizations across the country and filed an amicus (friend-of-the-court) brief, which was cited by Justice Sotomayor in her dissent, about the harms of criminalizing people experiencing homelessness and highlighting proven solutions. Community-based housing and mental health services are far more effective than criminal enforcement in addressing homelessness and supporting people with mental disabilities. Everyone needs a safe place to sleep. The Bazelon Center will continue to advocate for the housing and services that will truly end homelessness.
Read the full decision here:https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-175_19m2.pdf
Read our press release:https://www.bazelon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mental-Health-Expert-Grants-Pass-Joint-Statement-6-28-2024.pdf
Image Description:
Navy blue background. In the top left corner, a slanted red rectangle with rounded edges and white text says, “SUPREME COURT.” Immediately below it, a slanted white rectangle with rounded edges and red text reads, “DECISION ALERT.” In the middle of the image, title text reads: in white, “The Supreme Court Upholds that;” in white, underlined, “Laws Criminalizing Sleeping in Public;” in white, “When No Safe and Accessible Shelter Options Exist;” in white, underlined, “Are Not Cruel and Unusual Punishment;” in white, “in Grants Pass v. Johnson.” The bottom left of the post has a red rectangle with rounded edges and white text that says, “BAZELON.ORG.” The bottom right corner of the image has the white Bazelon Center logo.
