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LGBT People as Offenders within the Criminal Justice System

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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans People (LGBT) and the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

This chapter explores some of the limited research and literature covering the circumstances in which LGBT people might become offenders. It examines US research which indicates that there is a ‘school-to-prison’ pipeline for young LGBT people and the issues identified as significant, such as homelessness, mental health, substance misuse and their links to offending. It explores research on the experiences of LGBT people in the CJS. In terms of sentencing, for example, there is evidence from the USA that sexual orientation might affect criminal justice outcomes. There appears to be an over-representation of lesbians on death row and lesbians and gay men are characterised by the media and the prosecution in often negative ways. Drawing on research on women and the CJS in the UK it is suggested that stereotypical views about women affect outcomes, especially for lesbians or those considered lesbian.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    See Chap. 2 on definitions and acronyms; Q (queer) is used here in an American context.

  2. 2.

    This is an American term; in the UK she is likely to be referred to as BME (black minority ethnic).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Community and Criminal Justice, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK

    Charlotte Knight & Kath Wilson

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  1. Charlotte Knight
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  2. Kath Wilson
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Knight, C., Wilson, K. (2016). LGBT People as Offenders within the Criminal Justice System. In: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans People (LGBT) and the Criminal Justice System. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-49698-0_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-49698-0_5

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-49697-3

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