Why it matters

I am a passionate advocate for kangaroos, an underrepresented population at Otherworld. Their unique perspective and inherent justice system, known as the Kangaroo Court, is often overlooked and underfunded. This is not just about kangaroos; it's about ensuring justice is served to the entire Burner population.

The Kangaroo Court plays a vital role in our community, providing a unique form of justice that reflects our values and traditions. Despite this, it receives insufficient funding to operate effectively. Without adequate resources, we risk losing this integral part of our culture.

Otherworld has long been home to diverse communities who value inclusivity and fairness - principles embodied by the Kangaroo Court. However, without proper funding, we are failing these principles and denying an essential voice within our community.

The time is now.  

According to data from Victoria's Department of Environment (2019), there has been a 20% decline in kangaroo populations over the past decade in BC alone due to lack of representation and protection measures.

We must act now to preserve this important institution for future generations. By increasing funding for the Kangaroo Court at Otherworld, we can ensure that every member of our community has access to fair representation - including our beloved kangaroos.

What is Kangaroo Court?

Kangaroo Court is a mock court, presided over and enforced by kangaroos (humans in kangaroo onesies), in which defendants shall be condemned, sentenced, and punished. The court will accommodate civil, criminal, constitutional and class action cases. Cases may be submitted in person to the court secretary, or through a drop box located at Center Camp. As this is a complete mockery of justice, defendants will be most certainly found guilty, but all pretences at fairness will be adopted.

We have a unique opportunity.

Kangaroo Court has never occurred at Otherworld. Never in the history of Otherworld have kangaroos wandered the grounds, delivering writs of summons to individuals who have broken Kangaroo Law. Never before has tasty Kangaroo Justice been served to the hungry masses. Never before have kangaroos been directly involved in the judging, sentencing and dispensation of consequences to pernicious rule-breakers.

At BITF last year, a "High Court" was held with great success, indicating there is a Burning deMand for alternative forms of justice at these events. Kangaroo Court builds and improves on the High Court service model by directly involving kangaroos, the inherent value of which should be obvious.

At Trampitheatre last year, "Down Under" became the unofficial camp anthem, and thus Kangaroo Court is the not-very-distant-Aussie-cousin of Trampitheatre. The stars have aligned and it is clear that Kangaroo Court's time has come. Because it's 2024. Justice for kangaroos begins now!

Here's how:

Plaintiffs will be able to pursue justice by filling out a multiple choice form to press charges against various infractions of Kangaroo Law (including offences/insults against various marsupials committed without sufficient permits/licenses/certifications, and so on). Once charged, defendants will be served notice to appear by our kangaroo bailiffs, who will roam the grounds outside of court hours to summon participants well in advance of their appearance. Plaintiffs will be allowed to call witnesses if they choose. The audience will be encouraged to weigh in with their assessments of the evidence. However, defendants should be advised that a court appearance is de facto an admission of guilt. Once convicted, defendants will have the option to choose one of several punishments, or to escape (at which point they will be deemed outlaws).

Kangaroo Court will also hear civil disputes, which may be resolved by kangaroo boxing, pool noodle fencing, haiku/rap battles, or other non-harmful forms of duelling (if both parties agree).

Witnesses, judges, lawyers, and bailiffs will be required to wear a kangaroo onesie. Plaintiffs and defendants will have the option to wear a onesie.

Kangaroo Court is an exciting new mode of participation, crime reduction, civil litigation, conflict resolution, and ecological protection, ensuring equitable kangaroo representation. Kangaroos are currently underrepresented at Otherworld. If this pilot project is successful, future iterations of this project could include wallabies, koalas, wombats, emus, platypus, and so on (but not dingos because they attack marsupials - Kangaroo Court is a safe space!).

You can make this a reality.

Please sign this petition today if you believe in preserving cultural diversity and ensuring fair representation for all members of our society - human or otherwise! Together we can make a difference!