Supreme Court hears arguments on homeless camp bans [Video]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Does arresting or fining an unhoused person for camping on public property amount to “cruel and unusual punishment?” That was the question before U.S. Supreme Court justices Monday morning.

Their decision, expected in June, could have a major impact on how California can address its homelessness crisis.

Currently, a pair of decisions by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals bans local and state governments within its jurisdiction — including California — from arresting or fining unhoused people for camping and sleeping on public property.

Starting with the 2018 Martin v. Boise decision and expanding it with the 2022 Grants Pass v. Johnson decision, the appellate court has said it is unconstitutional for a city, county or state to fine or criminally charge someone for camping in a public space when they …