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What is a Kangaroo Court?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The term “kangaroo court” is a colorful piece of American slang used to describe an unfair trial which is conducted in clear contradiction of the legal establishment. It may be used in the sense of a trial convened by a self-appointed tribunal which quickly hands down harsh punishments, or in the sense of a clearly biased trial which had a predetermined outcome. Referring to a legal trial as a kangaroo court is a serious charge, since it implies that the trial was not conducted in a legal or fair fashion. Outside the United States, the term is not as widely heard.

There are several different explanations for the term, which originated in the United States, not Australia, the home of the kangaroo. The first is that a kangaroo jumps rapidly to conclusions, just as kangaroos jump quickly to move. The second suggests that the term is a wordplay on “claim jumpers,” the people who were most often charged in early kangaroo courts.

Businessman with a briefcase
Businessman with a briefcase

In either case, the term appears to have emerged in the early to mid-1800s, with the first written records of a kangaroo court appearing during the Gold Rush. These courts were often convened by miners and other people who had not received legal training, and they handed down sometimes unreasonably harsh punishments. The idea of quickie trials is also rather an old concept in the United States, thanks to the days of traveling judges in the American frontier. These judges were paid by the trial, so they had an impetus to quickly get through trials to earn more money.

Any type of sham legal proceeding can be very damaging. In most cases, a kangaroo court decides upon an already determined outcome, utterly depriving the defense of any chance to properly defend itself. In some instances, a kangaroo court may not even allow contradictory evidence or supporting materials for the defense, an action which is patently illegal. A kangaroo court may also be more subtle, depriving people of their rights in more insidious ways, such as through appointing an unfit lawyer, or by allowing a judge to remain on the stand despite being clearly biased.

The concept is related to a drumhead court-martial or drumhead trial, a sham court which is convened on the battlefield. In this case, a decision needs to be quickly made during the heat of battle so that soldiers and officers can carry on with their work. This decision is obviously colored by haste, and it may not be fair, accurate, or sensible. This term is derived from the idea of using the head of a drum for a writing surface, since no table is available.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MyLawQuestions researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MyLawQuestions researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Markerrag

@Terrificli -- Defending the integrity of the legal system is important because it needs the support of citizens to survive. Regardless, I have seen some cases in what might be called kangaroo courts in the past.

Those courts are typically in smaller areas where people benefit from that level of corruption. If enough people in an area put up with such a court system, then it will hang on. Sad but true.

Terrificli

You don't see kangaroo courts as often as people once did. At least I hope that is the case.

Judges and officers of the court can face disciplinary action from the state supreme court for violating rules of ethics. Holding a kangaroo court would clearly be seen as a violation. Luckily, anyone who has been dragged through one of those proceedings can file a complaint and get some action.

It is very good that the legal system does crack down on unethical behavior. Defending the integrity of the legal system is important.

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