The Supreme Court appeared hesitant Monday to draw sharp lines about when local governments that criminalize public camping infringe on the constitutional rights of people experiencing homelessness.
Across more than two hours of oral arguments, a majority of the conservative-controlled court repeatedly asked the parties about how they could decide a challenge to a law in Grants Pass, Ore., in a way that avoids involving the courts in policy disputes about addressing homelessness.
The case reflects how cities and counties across the country have grappled with problems stemming from homeless encampments. The justices are set to decide the case by the conclusion of the term at the end of June.
