What is considered a Summary offence?

A summary offence is defined as a minor criminal offence that is typically tried in a lower court without a jury. These offences usually carry lighter penalties compared to more serious crimes, such as indictable offences or felonies, making them less severe in terms of legal repercussions. Examples of summary offences can include petty theft, public intoxication, or minor breaches of the peace.

While the other options pertain to more serious legal matters—felonies, serious civil lawsuits, and high-profile court cases—they do not fall into the category of summary offences. The distinction of summary offences is particularly important within the criminal justice system, as they often entail quicker legal proceedings and are not associated with the same level of societal impact as more significant crimes.