KANGAROO COURT Meaning and
Definition
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A kangaroo court refers to a pseudo-legal assembly or tribunal that lacks impartiality and fairness, thereby denying the accused party their rights to a fair trial. The term is typically used to describe a mock court where the judicial proceedings are fundamentally flawed and biased, resulting in predetermined judgments or unfair outcomes. The label "kangaroo" is used metaphorically to emphasize the illegitimacy and imbalance of such proceedings, akin to the erratic manner in which a kangaroo hops.
These courts are often established within authoritarian or oppressive regimes or in contexts where the rule of law is undermined. They may be characterized by a lack of legal expertise or knowledge, arbitrary decision-making processes, and a failure to adhere to procedural norms. The motive behind their formation is usually to advance a specific agenda or to suppress dissent by giving a superficial appearance of justice.
In a kangaroo court, due process, including the right to a fair hearing, the presumption of innocence, and the opportunity to present a defense, is often disregarded. The primary objective is to enforce the desired outcome rather than providing a genuine platform for justice. As a result, these courts are widely perceived as unfair and discredited, lacking the legitimacy and credibility associated with traditional legal systems.
The term "kangaroo court" is also often used metaphorically in situations outside the realm of formal legal proceedings, such as informal gatherings or organizations that engage in unjust decision-making or biased judgments without due process. Ultimately, this term reflects the lack of fairness, impartiality, and adherence to legal standards in a given proceeding or institution.
Common Misspellings for KANGAROO COURT
- jangaroo court
- mangaroo court
- langaroo court
- oangaroo court
- iangaroo court
- kzngaroo court
- ksngaroo court
- kwngaroo court
- kqngaroo court
- kabgaroo court
- kamgaroo court
- kajgaroo court
- kahgaroo court
- kanfaroo court
- kanvaroo court
- kanbaroo court
- kanharoo court
- kanyaroo court
- kantaroo court
- kangaroo courty
Etymology of KANGAROO COURT
The word "kangaroo court" is believed to have originated in the United States, particularly in the 19th century. Its exact etymology is uncertain, but there are a few theories that explain its origin.
One theory suggests that the term was inspired by the hopping movement of kangaroos, which is seen as unpredictable and chaotic. Similarly, kangaroo courts were referred to as such because they were known for their lack of fairness, proper procedure, and arbitrary decision-making.
Another theory proposes that the term evolved from the practice of "Kangaroo gangs" in the early 19th century. These gangs consisted of unauthorized judges who roamed the American frontier, claiming jurisdiction over criminal cases. They often held makeshift courts to administer swift, often biased, justice.
Idioms with the word KANGAROO COURT
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a kangaroo court
The idiom "a kangaroo court" refers to a mock or illegitimate court, where the proceedings and judgment are predetermined or unfair. It typically implies a situation where justice is not served, and the outcome is biased or predetermined.
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kangaroo court
A kangaroo court is a sham judicial proceeding or any kind of illegitimate tribunal that disregards principles of justice and fairness, often characterized by biased judgment or predetermined outcomes.
Similar spelling words for KANGAROO COURT
- kangaroo apple,
- contract,
- kangaroo rat,
- congruent,
- kangaroo paw,
- congregate,
- kangaroo mouse,
- concoct,
- kangaroo jerboa,
- contractor,
- kangaroo bear,
- kangaroo hare,
- kangaroo's-foot.
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