Kangaroo Courts

Context: Tajimul Islam, known for presiding over such ‘salishi sabhas’ (kangaroo courts) recently arrested after a video of him whipping a woman and a man surfaced on social media.

About:

• It is as unofficial court held by a group of people used to refer to proceedings or activities where a judgement is made in a manner that is unfair, biased, and lacks legitimacy.
• Their decisions are not legally binding.
• Kangaroo courts first appeared in the United States at the time of the 1849 California Gold Rush, and the term was first used in the southwestern United States.
• It first appeared in print in 1853 in a Texas book.
• Some dictionaries say the association with the animal could have a relation to Australians, though the term probably originated in America. Drawbacks of the courts
• No legality - These informal courts, run by individuals with no legal authority. They operate outside the bounds of the official judicial system.
• Unfairness - The rule of law gives way to the rule of individuals wielding unchecked power.
• The procedure here is only conducted as a formality.
• Lack of Accountability - Judges and decision-makers are frequently not accountable to any higher authority, it is difficult to hold them accountable for any wrongdoing.
• No appeal - The courts doesn’t allow for appeal against their judgment.
• Swift and Harsh Punishments - Kangaroo courts frequently impose swift and harsh punishments, often without regard for the gravity of the crime or the circumstances of the accused.
• Mob Mentality - Rather than pursuing justice, kangaroo courts may be motivated by mob mentality or a desire for vengeance.

Examples of kangaroo courts - Lynch mobs, military tribunals that do not follow due process, and workplace tribunals that are set up to target employees unfairly

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