The idiom "kangaroo court" refers to a mock court or a trial that is not fair and impartial. It is a situation where the outcome is predetermined and the defendant is not given a fair chance to defend themselves. The term "kangaroo" is used because kangaroos are known for their hopping movements, which suggests that the court is jumping to conclusions without proper evidence.
This idiom is often used to describe a situation where a group of people or an organization is trying to punish someone without following proper legal procedures. For example, if a group of friends accuses someone of stealing without any evidence and then holds a trial where they act as judge and jury, it can be called a kangaroo court. Similarly, if a company fires an employee without giving them a chance to explain their side of the story, it can be considered a kangaroo court.
In short, the term "kangaroo court" is used to describe a situation where justice is not served, and the outcome is predetermined. It is a way of criticizing a process that is unfair and biased.
• The accused was denied a fair trial in what can only be described as a kangaroo court. (elementary level)
• I don't understand why they called it a kangaroo court. (beginner level)
• The political dissident was brought before a kangaroo court and sentenced to life imprisonment without evidence or due process. (upper-intermediate level)
• The media was quick to point out that the trial was a kangaroo court, with the judge and prosecution working in collusion to convict the defendant at any cost. (advanced level)
• The international community was outraged by the blatant disregard for justice in what was clearly a kangaroo court that violated the most basic human rights. (proficient level)
• The company's internal investigation was criticized for being a kangaroo court that favored management. (intermediate level)
• The company's internal investigation was a complete kangaroo court, they didn't even interview the key witnesses.
• I don't understand why they banned me from the group, it felt like a kangaroo court.
• We can't let this trial turn into a kangaroo court, we need to ensure that everyone's rights are respected.
• In some countries, people are afraid to speak out against the government because they might end up in a kangaroo court.
• The media accused the military of holding kangaroo courts and violating human rights during the conflict.
• The judge was widely criticized for presiding over a kangaroo court and handing down harsh sentences without due process.