Homelessness in the United States is at its highest level on record. It’s a topic which is presenting challenges for liberal and conservative politicians alike, and this week the nation’s Supreme Court convened to hear its most significant case on homelessness in decades. Why? It could allow cities across the country to effectively make being homeless illegal.

On today’s episode, Adam Fleming speaks to the BBC’s Samantha Granville who is reporting from LA – where almost a third of the US homeless population resides. We hear how people sleeping on the streets there feel about facing criminal punishment, and consider the political significance of this case in a presidential year.

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory.

The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app.

This episode was made by Laurie Kalus and Alix Pickles. The technical producers were Matt Hewitt and Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

US homelessness: Is sleeping in public a crime? 26:25 Share

The Global Story

Shownotes Transcript

US homelessness: Is sleeping in public a crime?