Squatting—often a response to housing insecurity—exposes systemic gaps in addressing homelessness and challenges entrenched property norms. Using the landmark City of Grants Pass v. Johnson case as a foundation, the panel will discuss the criminalization of homelessness and the evolving role of the necessity doctrine in balancing property rights with basic human needs. Exploring the intersection of property law, homelessness, and social justice this panel sheds light on how legal doctrines like adverse possession and necessity could be reimagined to protect vulnerable populations while preserving property rights.
