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Network for Public Health Law
Mitigating the Incidence and Severity of Injuries and Other Harms

United States v. Safehouse, et al.

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Overview

United States v. Safehouse, et al. (U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit, January 12, 2021): The 3rd Circuit found that a Philadelphia planned safe injection facility would violate the federal Controlled Substances Act’s (CSA) so-called crack house provision. Safehouse planned to open a facility that would allow people to inject illicit drugs under the supervision of medical professionals. The site would also offer substance use treatment options, social services, and other resources. The Mayor and City Council supported the Safehouse plan. The federal Department of Justice sued to prevent the facility’s opening arguing that federal law prohibits the operation of establishments for the purpose of using illicit drugs. In a 2-1 decision, the court found that CSC prohibits operation of safe injection facilities, which only Congress can amend. Read the full decision here.

View all cases in the Judicial Trends in Public Health – February 16, 2021.

View all cases under “Mitigating The Incidence & Severity of Injuries & Other Harms.”