Criminalisation

No national legislation makes “homelessness”  or begging a criminal offence in France. However, in France the exploitation of beggars, aggressive begging and endangering minors through begging are considered to be criminal offences. In addition, public drunkenness or disturbing traffic also fall under criminal regulations. This is implemented at the local level

• Anti-social behaviour laws: local authorities may adapt existing administrative law concepts to local problems, which may or may not be related to homelessness. Art. L. 2212‑2 of the General Local Authorities Code. Local authorities may also take steps to enhance national legislation through the application of penalties. Administrative courts have the power to annul local regulations in the case that the regulations are illegal.  These courts have validated regulations that banned rough sleeping, that prohibited an annoying occupation of public space and that gave the police the right to move beggars on. Courts have struck down general prohibitions against begging, ordinances against laying down in public or urinating in public.