Letter From America

Marion McKeone: America’s homeless find themselves in supreme court’s crosshairs

An upcoming decision could effectively criminalise those with nowhere to go

Demonstrators outside the US Supreme Court. Pictures: Getty Images

It’s been a busy week in a busy term for the United States Supreme Court, as its conservative super-majority continues to align itself with the right flank in the culture wars. Last week, it opened up another front with a decision to hear a case that could have huge implications for America’s burgeoning homeless population.

In weighing arguments before it, the conservative majority seemed to align itself with the city of Grants Pass in Oregon, ...