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Simple English definitions for legal terms
kangaroo court
Read a random definition: mid-level scrutiny
A quick definition of kangaroo court:
A kangaroo court is a pretend court that people make up to solve problems, like when a group of friends make up their own rules and punishments. Sometimes, the people in charge of the kangaroo court don't follow the real rules of fairness and justice, and the outcome is already decided before the trial even starts. This is not a real court and is not fair to the people involved.
A more thorough explanation:
A kangaroo court is an unauthorized or mock court that does not follow proper legal procedures and does not provide fair trials. It is often created to settle disputes within a group or organization, such as a sorority or fraternity. The term originated in the American West in the 1850s.
For example, a sorority may create a kangaroo court to settle a dispute between two members. In this court, the accused may not have the opportunity to defend themselves properly, and the outcome may be predetermined by the sorority members.
The term "kangaroo court" can also be used to describe an authorized court or legal proceeding that is biased or unfair. For instance, if a judge is partial or there is excessive press coverage, the court may not be able to provide a fair trial.
One example of a case that involved a potential kangaroo court is Skilling v. United States, where the defendant argued that the jury was biased due to pretrial publicity. Another example is Rideau v. Louisiana, where the defendant's confession was broadcast on television before the trial, potentially influencing the jury's decision.