Homeless jailed frequently under ‘habitual drunkard’ law
“The law, which dates back to the 1930s, is being challenged by the Legal Aid Justice Center, a nonprofit advocacy group that provides legal services to low-income people. The group accuses state prosecutors of using it to punish homeless alcoholics. A judge dismissed the lawsuit last year, but the group appealed. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is weighing the case.”