A kangaroo court is a type of informal, unauthorized or improvised tribunal that dispenses rough justice. The term originated from the practice in Australia during the 19th century where groups of men would hold their own trials for people accused of crimes without following proper legal procedures. These trials were often held at night and were conducted quickly, with little regard to due process or fairness. As a result, the term "kangaroo court" has come to refer to any hasty, unfair proceeding that lacks proper judicial procedure.