Can this really be constitutional? Seattle is about to make it illegal for some people accused of low-level prostitution and drug offenses to visit certain popular areas of the city. It's calling these places "stay out" zones, and violating an order to stay out could lead to almost a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Under policies passed by the council last week, people could be subject to stay-out orders for up to two years, cutting off their access to any businesses, family, friends, employers, entertainment, or educational opportunities in those areas. And the orders don't necessarily even require a conviction; a judge could issue one to someone merely charged with a crime as a condition of being released from jail before the trial.
