Is it Unconstitutional to Make Sleeping in Public a Crime?

Posted By Cliff Tuttle | August 17, 2015

No. 1,201

Here’s a very interesting article from Jurist, the Pitt Law School publication that follows legal news around the world.

Image: clatt.com

The Justice Department is attacking a Boise City ordinance that prohibits slewing in public.  Since everybody has to sleep, it is argued, this makes it a crime to be homeless.  The article gives a review of cases involving “status offenders.”  It may be a crime to offer to provide sex for money, but it cannot be a crime to be a prostitute.

CLT

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CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

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