Handcuffed Access: Homelessness and the Justice System

Within geography there is a growing literature on the regulation of public space and the effects of such legislation on the behavior and use of public space by the homeless, the public poor, and other marginalized actors in core cities. Utilizing data from a 2005 study on the regulation of public space and criminalization of homelessness in Vancouver, Canada, an exploration is undertaken to show how homeless people view their relationship with the justice system. Quantitative data are presented that illustrate that homeless people are victimized at an alarming rate, yet rarely seek help from the justice system. Then, with the aid of qualitative data, the reasons homeless people give for their relationship with the justice system are investigated. Although organized along a variety of themes, the underlying narrative is one in which homeless people view the law as a force that applies against them, rather than working for them.