kangaroo court
/ˌkæŋɡəˈruː kɔːrt/
NOUN
1. An unauthorized or unjust judicial proceeding
A judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding, or a group conducting such proceedings, that lacks proper authority, abuses its power, or otherwise fails to provide fair and impartial justice.
1.1. Mock or illegitimate court proceedings
An unofficial or improperly constituted court that conducts proceedings without legitimate legal authority or jurisdiction.
Synonyms
- mock court
- impromptu court
- drumhead court-martial
Examples
- The prisoners were forced to appear before a kangaroo court established by the rebels.
Related Words
- tribunal
- judicatory
- judicature
- court
- inquisition
- court-martial
1.2. Unfair or predetermined trials
A proceeding in which the outcome is biased or predetermined and the accused is denied a fair hearing or due process.
Synonyms
- sham trial
- show trial
- mock trial
- travesty of justice
Antonyms
- fair trial
- impartial hearing
- due process
Examples
- The accused condemned the proceedings as a kangaroo court because the verdict had clearly been decided in advance.
Related Words
- injustice
- bias
- partiality
- unfairness
- judicial abuse