“Kangaroo Court” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 11, 2024 by Liam Daniel

What does “kangaroo court” mean? You may have heard the term ‘kangaroo court’ in conversation before and wondered what the term meant. Let’s take a look at the meaning behind this phrase and how it can be used in a day to day conversation. We will also take a look at where the term came from in the first place.

Kangaroo Court Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • A “kangaroo court” is an unfair or biased trial where the outcome is predetermined, and proper legal procedures aren’t followed. It refers to a mock or rigged process with no real justice.
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“Kangaroo Court” Meaning

A “kangaroo court” refers to a sham or unfair court proceeding where the outcome is predetermined, and proper legal standards are not followed. It typically involves biased or illegitimate processes, where the defendant has little chance of a fair trial. The term is often used to describe mock trials or corrupt legal proceedings that are rigged or unjust.

When someone uses the idiomatic phrase ‘kangaroo court’ they are talking about a court that does not follow the usual rules and is dishonest in its nature.

Origin of this Idiom

The phrase ‘kangaroo court’ is believed to have derived from the idea of judges jumping around from place to place. There are also theories that suggest the term came from the Australian penal system many years ago.

Usage of “Kangaroo Court”

Here are examples of how “kangaroo court” is used:

  1. In a legal context: “The trial was nothing more than a kangaroo court, with no chance for a fair defense.”
  2. In politics: “Critics called the investigation a kangaroo court, claiming the outcome was predetermined.”
  3. In a workplace setting: “The disciplinary hearing felt like a kangaroo court, with no opportunity for me to explain my side.”
  4. In sports: “The player argued that the decision was made by a kangaroo court, lacking any real fairness.”

In each case, “kangaroo court” refers to an unjust or biased process.

Related Terms to “Kangaroo Court”

  • Show trial – A trial held to influence public opinion, where the outcome is already decided.
  • Mock trial – A fake or staged trial with no real justice involved.
  • Sham trial – A trial that pretends to be fair but is actually rigged or corrupt.
  • Railroaded – To be unfairly forced into a legal outcome or decision.
  • Witch hunt – An investigation carried out to harass or unfairly accuse someone, often with no valid evidence.
  • Travesty of justice – A grossly unfair legal proceeding or decision.
  • Biased tribunal – A legal body or court that operates with prejudice, not impartially.
  • Injustice – An action or process that results in unfair treatment or outcomes.
  • Farce – A ridiculous, exaggerated event or situation, implying it’s not serious or fair.
  • Rigged process – A system or procedure that has been manipulated to ensure a certain outcome.

Other Ways to Say “Kangaroo Court”

There are other ways you might express the meaning of the term ‘kangaroo court.’ Here are some examples of things you might say.

  • Unfair court
  • Sham trial
  • Mock court
  • Illegal court
  • Dishonest court

“Kangaroo Court” Examples

Examples in Statements

This is a statement made on a news reports

  • ‘The defendant got away with the crime but it was no surprise since the verdict was heard in a kangaroo court.’

Here is a statement made by a suspect in a crime.

  • ‘I really hope I am cleared of these charges, I do not want to stand trial in that kangaroo court.’

Other examples:

  • It was like a kangaroo court, he thought.
  • Saddam is to face a kangaroo court in Baghdad.
  • I think this kangaroo court is a terrible idea, you moron.
  • He leads the reader into assuming that the tribunal is anything other than a kangaroo court.
  • All the same, theirs was not a kangaroo court.

Conversation Examples

You may be curious to see how the term’ kangaroo court’ can be used in a conversation. Here are some examples of how it might appear in conversation.

The first conversation is happening between a mother and son.

  • Person 1: “I cannot believe you have got in trouble with the law.”
  • Person 2: “I know, I really regret it.”
  • Person 1: “You only regret it now because you’ve got to go in front of the kangaroo court who will not be fair or just.”

This next conversation is taking place between two friends.

  • Person 1: “I really want to take my ex partner to court over the money she owes me.”
  • Person 2: “Why don’t you do it then?”
  • Person 1: “Because our local court is such a kangaroo court, I wouldn’t get a fair trial.”
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