Legal Definitions - kangaroo court

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.