kangaroo courts
/ˌkæŋɡəˈruː ˈkɔːrts/
NOUN
1. Unauthorized or unjust judicial proceedings
Judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings, or groups conducting such proceedings, that lack proper authority, are abusive, or are otherwise unjust.
1.1. Unjust or illegitimate courts
Unofficial, improperly authorized, or abusive judicial bodies that conduct proceedings without legitimate authority or fairness.
Synonyms
- mock courts
- impromptu courts
- drumhead court-martials
- inquisitions
- tribunals
Examples
- The oppressed population often found themselves at the mercy of unjust kangaroo courts.
- Dissenters were silenced through intimidation and forced confessions in the regime's secretive kangaroo courts.
Related Words
- courts
- judicatories
- judicatures
- judiciaries
- forums
- benches
1.2. Unfair trials and arbitrary judgments
Proceedings in which people are subjected to biased decisions, intimidation, or judgments without fair legal process.
Synonyms
- sham trials
- show trials
- mock trials
Antonyms
- fair trials
- impartial hearings
Examples
- Human rights organizations documented numerous cases of individuals being subjected to arbitrary judgments in these clandestine kangaroo courts.
Related Words
- injustice
- arbitrary judgments
- due process
- judicial abuse
- unfairness