The trial was a kangaroo court and everyone knew it.
kangaroo court
idiomA judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding, or a group of people which conducts such proceedings, which is without proper authority, and often acts abusively or decides unjustly.
Origin
disputed originFrom kangaroo + court. The etymology is uncertain; it has been suggested that the term draws a comparison between the leaping of a kangaroo and one of the following: * The 19th-century practice of itinerant judges moving from place to place on the American frontier and trying cases speedily and perfunctorily in order to get paid. * The use of irregular courts during the California Gold Rush (1848–1855) to decide claims of “jumping” (illegally occupying) mining claims. * The notion that a kangaroo court jumps to conclusions.
The committee had no real power to punish him, so he dismissed it as a kangaroo court.
Convicted by a kangaroo court of wartime traitors, the dissident poet was exiled before dawn without ever seeing a real judge.
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court of public opinion
The news media and the public at large, seen as being able to deliver a judgement on someone in the manner of a judge.
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have the ball in one's court
Alternative form of the ball is in someone's court.
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hold court
To serve as the principal discussant or center of attention in an informal gathering of friends, associates, etc.
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laugh out of court
To dismiss as silly something presented with genuine conviction or treated seriously.
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leave the ball in someone's court
To hand over the responsibility or choice to someone to make a decision or take action about something.
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the ball is in someone's court
It is someone's turn to do something; often making a decision.