Legal Definitions - keelhaul

The term keelhaul refers to subjecting someone to a severe reprimand or harsh criticism.

Historically, "keelhauling" was a brutal form of naval punishment where a person was dragged under the bottom of a ship, from one side to the other, often resulting in serious injury or death. Today, the term is used figuratively to describe a situation where someone is subjected to an intense and often public scolding or disciplinary action.

Here are some examples illustrating the modern usage of "keelhaul":

• Example 1: Workplace Performance
  After the company's new product launch failed to meet sales targets, the CEO called the entire marketing team into an emergency meeting. During the meeting, the CEO proceeded to keelhaul the marketing director, detailing every misstep in the campaign strategy and demanding immediate accountability for the poor results.

  Explanation: The CEO's severe and public criticism of the marketing director's performance, highlighting failures and demanding accountability, illustrates the act of "keelhauling."

• Example 2: Public Figure Scrutiny
  When the city council member was caught using public funds for personal expenses, the local newspaper editorial board didn't hold back. Their scathing editorial effectively keelhauled the council member, calling for their resignation and condemning their breach of public trust.

  Explanation: The newspaper's intense and public condemnation, which was harsh and critical of the council member's actions, is an example of "keelhauling."

• Example 3: Academic Review
  During the final project presentation, the panel of professors didn't mince words with the student who had clearly plagiarized parts of their research. They keelhauled the student, not only for the academic dishonesty but also for their lack of original thought and disrespect for scholarly integrity.

  Explanation: The professors' severe and direct criticism, addressing both the plagiarism and the underlying academic failures, demonstrates how the student was "keelhauled" for their actions.