Cisheteronormativity and the Court: A Queer Criminological Approach

This article explores the experiences of takatāpui/LGBTQ+/queer people within Aotearoa/New Zealand’s courts, as defendants, victims and lawyers. Within this qualitative study, participants share stories filled with various challenges, including fears about engaging with the justice system, how gender and sexuality can affect a court case, and what support is available to takatāpui/LGBTQ+/queer people accessing justice. Underpinned by a queer criminological perspective, this article interrogates the latent, structural nature of cisheteronormativity as a form of harm, with particular consideration of its implications for access to justice in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Collectively, the findings of this study underscore the challenges faced by takatāpui/LGBTQ+/queer people when navigating the criminal justice system, particularly within the District Court of New Zealand.