The study presented 471 participants with one of four mug shots the lean male, lean female, obese male and obese female and beneath that image described a mock court case involving check fraud.

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Several of the super PAC knockoffs were inspired by comedian Stephen Colbert, who created a buzz last year when he founded the Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow super PAC to mock the Supreme Court's decision and what Mr. Colbert contends is its invitation for big money to play an even bigger role in politics.

WSJ: Here a PAC, There a PAC��Except Some Are Not So Super

In the Justice Centre's mock courtroom, children taking part in the Red Hook Youth Court (which has been running for a year) hear proceedings involving wayward youngsters.

ECONOMIST: Dispensing justice

In what was dubbed the "carnival court", a center stage box filled with a mock-buffoonish royal entourage sat taking it all in, a gentle nudge at the sides of the VIP delegates present.

CNN: 'Magnificent' Games sent off in style

The court heard after his arrest Mr McCormick said he had been using basic high school physics to devise a mock version of the detector which worked.

BBC: Fake bomb detectors sold by businessman, court told