Kangaroo Courts and Crime Thrillers: The Role of Law and Justice in Aussie Fiction

No, there aren’t any live kangaroos bouncing around the courtroom (though that would definitely spice up the trial). Instead, we’re talking about something much more sinister, a “kangaroo court” in Aussie crime fiction. These mock courts are where justice is served faster than a roo on the run, but the rules? Well, they’re a bit, shall we say, flexible.

In Australian crime thrillers, these kangaroo courts are as crooked as a mob boss's smile, offering up justice that’s more about power than fairness. Whether it's a secret trial under the stars in the outback or a rigged courtroom drama in the city, the kangaroo court represents everything that’s wrong with the legal system—flawed, biased, and dangerously unpredictable. And it’s not just the plot that gets twisted—it’s the very idea of justice itself.

Let’s take a closer look at why these kangaroo courts are such a perfect fit for Aussie crime fiction, where the line between right and wrong is as blurry as an outback horizon. Buckle up, detective—this one’s about to get messy.

Kangaroo Courts: The Real Courtroom Drama

If you've ever found yourself wondering whether justice in Australia is a straight-shooting affair or more of a "who’s got the most cash" situation, crime thrillers in the Land Down Under have the answer for you. In these stories, kangaroo courts are the ultimate cheat codes: unfair, often rigged, and entirely capable of making a mess of even the most “justice-filled” narrative.

Now, for those unfamiliar with the term (perhaps you've been living under a rock—or in an actual court of law), a kangaroo court is a mock court, where trials are a farce and the outcome is often predetermined. It’s like giving a criminal the best seat in the house, only to realize the show isn’t about justice—it’s about who has the loudest voice, the most influence, or, in some cases, the most knives under the table.

In Australian crime thrillers, kangaroo courts are a constant player, symbolizing the blurred lines between right and wrong. Think of it as a courtroom for criminals, but with a bit of a 'no rules, mate' vibe. And what better way to throw your detective—say, Mort—into a plot where the law is as crooked as a politician’s smile? After all, who doesn’t love a good courtroom drama... as long as it's the kind that doesn’t play by the rules?

National Close the Gap Day: A Real-Life Twist to the Fictional Mayhem

Now, let’s throw in a bit of real-world justice into the mix. March 18th is National Close the Gap Day, and if you’re unfamiliar with it, here’s the short version: it's a day that raises awareness about the health and social inequalities faced by Australia’s Indigenous communities. Now, you might be thinking, “What’s this got to do with kangaroo courts and crime thrillers?” Well, buckle up, because this is where fiction and reality collide in one juicy plot twist.

In Aussie crime fiction, the legal system often stands for disorder in places where the gap between the powerful and the powerless is wider than an outback highway. Kangaroo courts reflect the real-world struggles, including the systemic inequalities that plague the Indigenous population. The concept of an unfair trial resonates when we think about how these communities have been historically mistreated by the very systems designed to protect them.

When writing crime thrillers, Aussie authors know how to use this backdrop. The kangaroo court becomes more than just a scene for a fight over the truth. it’s a nod to the racial and social disparities that are still very much a part of Australian society. It’s about flipping the script on justice, showing that not all criminals are behind bars, and not all the good guys get to wear the white hat.

Aussie Crime Writers Know How to Set the Scene

It’s not all doom and gloom, Aussie crime writers know how to keep things thrilling while addressing the deeper, darker issues that simmer beneath the surface. Authors like Peter Temple, whose Jack Irish series is practically a textbook on moral ambiguity, delve into the grittier aspects of justice. Temple’s work is a reflection of a system that’s as warped as it is flawed. Jack Irish isn’t just a detective; he’s a man trying to make sense of a world where the law doesn’t always have the final word.

Another classic example would be Garry Disher’s Wyatt series, where our anti-hero often finds himself entangled in a system that’s just as criminal as the villains he’s after. Disher’s portrayal of justice in Australia is like a hard punch to the gut. It's not clean, it’s not easy, and it sure as hell isn’t fair.

Through their stories, these writers show us that sometimes, the real criminal is the system itself—and the real fight is figuring out how to navigate through it without losing your mind (or your life).

The Kangaroo Court’s Role: Fiction vs. Reality

The kangaroo court in Aussie crime fiction is a reflection of the flawed systems we rely on in real life. It's where the balance of power is constantly shifting, and where even the most hardened criminals might get a fair shake, if they’ve got the right connections. It's a system that allows the crooked to thrive, and it’s a world Mort (or any of your favorite Aussie detectives) has to navigate, with no guarantees of success.

If you love page turning crime fiction, you’ll love the Mort Series. Download your free chapter today to discover what all the thrill is about.