U.S. Court of Appeals dismisses case against Sacramento for violating unhoused community’s rights

SACRAMENTO (US MEDIA GROUP) – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit dismissed a case brought by advocates for the unhoused community against the city and county of Sacramento on Monday. The decision was issued by three judges on Friday and published online on Monday.

The lawsuit, filed by the Sacramento Homeless Union, argued that moving unhoused people during extreme weather is dangerous and violates their constitutional rights. However, the court dismissed the appeal, citing an expired court order from last summer.

Attorneys for both the union and the city of Sacramento argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals in February. According to court documents, the city argued that the court order in question had expired and therefore the appeal should be dismissed.

The court agreed, stating in their opinion that “the appeal cannot be based on an expired court order that is no longer in effect.”

The Sacramento Homeless Union expressed disappointment with the decision, stating that they will continue to fight for the rights of the unhoused community.

“Moving unhoused people during extreme weather puts their safety at risk and violates their constitutional rights,” said the union in a statement released after the decision was announced. “We will continue to advocate for the protection of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

The city and county of Sacramento have yet to release a statement regarding the decision.

The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of homelessness in Sacramento and the challenges faced by both the unhoused community and city officials in addressing it. According to a report by the Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness, there were approximately 5,570 homeless individuals in Sacramento in 2020.

The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals highlights the importance of keeping court orders up to date, especially in cases that involve vulnerable populations. As homelessness continues to be a pressing issue in many cities across the country, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of the unhoused community.