When should a Summons be issued to an accused?

When considering when a Summons should be issued to an accused, it's important to acknowledge the specific context in which a Summons is utilized. A Summons is typically issued in situations where a peace officer does not have the authority to arrest an individual directly for a given offence. This can occur in various circumstances, often related to legal or procedural constraints.

Issuing a Summons allows the judicial system to address the alleged offence without the immediate need for physical arrest. This is particularly relevant in less serious offences or when the accused is readily available to appear in court without the need for forceful action by law enforcement. In such cases, the Summons serves as a formal notification to the accused about the charges against them, requiring their presence in court to respond.

Other options present different scenarios that do not align with the primary purpose of issuing a Summons. For example, serious offences generally lead to more immediate actions from law enforcement, including potential arrest. Similarly, situations involving minors have their distinct legal processes and protections that may involve different protocols altogether. The authority to arrest by a peace officer typically pertains to immediate enforcement actions rather than the procedural issuance of a Summons. Understanding these nuances of criminal procedure is vital for effective law enforcement practice.