Supreme Court to hear case on criminalizing homelessness [Video]

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — In a case that could have far-reaching impact, the Supreme Court will hear arguments Monday on whether the city of Grants Pass, Oregon can punish homeless people for camping in public spaces.

“One of the most influential cases on housing in over 40 years,” Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) said. 

A lower court previously ruled in favor of the homeless population, calling it a “cruel and unusual punishment” to fine and arrest people who have nowhere else to go. 

Oregon Democratic Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici spoke outside the high court this week, urging justices to rule against the city. 

“Housing, not handcuffs, is the direction we need to go,” Rep. Bonamici said. 

Bonamici says fining or jailing people traps them in a cycle that makes it harder for them to find housing. 

In court documents, Grants Pass lawyers say homeless encampments have “multiplied unchecked” throughout the west, resulting in …