Alston & Bird attorneys acted as amicus counsel on behalf of nearly 50 organizations that provide services and support to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, filing four amicus briefs in support of the respondents in the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case City of Grants Pass v. Johnson. This case will evaluate whether enforcement of laws that criminalize sleeping or resting on public property, while using any item that falls into the category of “bedding,” constitutes cruel and unusual punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Oral arguments will take place on April 22.
Counsel David Venderbush co-authored three briefs on behalf of numerous service providers for veterans, the United Nations Special Rapporteurs, and the Safety Net Project. Senior associates Emily Fitzgerald and Jon Hermann and associate Milly Bartolome (Litigation & Trial Practice) co-authored a brief on behalf of the National Women’s Shelter Network and the National Organization of Women Foundation.