The Supreme Court will not review an appellate decision that makes it harder for cities to keep homeless people from sleeping on the streets.
The justices on Monday did not comment as they left in place a ruling that struck down a Boise, Idaho, ordinance. The ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals applies across several Western states where cities are struggling with homelessness brought on by rising housing costs and income inequality. The city of Los Angeles is one of several west coast cities that urged the Supreme Court to hear the appeal. Many cities have similar restrictions that aim to keep homeless people from sleeping on their streets. They argue the ruling means municipalities won’t be able to maintain public health and safety in their communities. The appeals court held that Boise could not make it a crime for homeless people to sleep on the streets when no alternative shelter is available. The decision the justices refused to review found that the Boise ordinance violated the constitutional ban on “cruel and unusual punishment.” Today on AirTalk, Larry sits down with those on both sides of the issue to get reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision and find out what comes next.
With files from the Associated Press
Guests:
Mike Feuer, city attorney of Los Angeles
Carol Sobel, civil rights attorney based in Santa Monica, CA who has represented Los Angeles’ homeless in federal courts
Kathryn Barger, L.A. County supervisor representing the 5th district, which includes the Antelope, San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valley