U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Sets Precedent in L.A. Homeless Case

National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (NLCHP) recognizes court's historic decision

Press Type: Press Release   Associated Program: Civil Rights

Released: 04/2006

Washington, DC - April 14, 2006 - The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a historic decision today in a case seeking to end the criminalization of homeless people for sleeping on the streets when not enough shelter beds are available. The court ruled that the City of Los Angeles cannot enforce a law that penalizes homeless persons for sleeping outside when L.A. does not have sufficient shelter space to meet the need.

"This decision sends a message to all cities: Find more productive alternatives to address homelessness," says NLCHP's Civil Rights Attorney Tulin Ozdeger. "Such alternatives already exist, and for years, NLCHP has worked to promote them"

"The court found that the Eighth Amendment rights of homeless people to be free from cruel and unusual punishment were violated by the L.A. statute," said NLCHP Executive Director Maria Foscarinis. "As Americans, we must all help our fellow citizens find their way out of poverty, not arrest them for it."

If you questions about the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling contact Andy Zovko or Tulin Ozdeger at NLCHP (202) 638-2535.

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