The difference between summary offense and indictable?

Answer 1

Summary offences are dealt with by a magistrate in the Magistrates' Court. They include less serious offences, and can be punishable by shorter prison sentences and smaller fines. Accused must not necessarily be in person for the trial. Jury trials or preliminary inquiries are not held.

Indictable offences are more serious. They can be heard in a higher court (the County Court or Supreme Court) by a judge and jury. Accused must necessarily be in person for the trial. Preliminary inquires are held.

Answer 2

Indictable offences are tried at the Crown Court. Summary offences are tried at the Magistrate's Court. Mode of trial for all offences, ie whether an offence is to be tried as Summary or Indictable, is decided by the Magistrate's Court. There are some offences that can be tried either way and in such circumstances the Magistrates will decide what type of trial will go ahead - although in such circumstances the individual can choose to go to Crown Court (but should be aware that the punishment and costs may be more severe). Magistrate's dealing with Summary trials are voluntary lay people who judge lesser offences such as minor road traffic violations, theft, public order, for example. Although there are exceptions, generally speaking Magistrates have power to imprison for a maximum of 6 months, can order compensation of up to a maximum of £5,000 and have more limited powers than Judges in the Crown Court. Indictable offences are tried at the Crown Court in front of a Judge and Jury. Indictable offences are generally far more serious and include such things as rape, murder, dangerous driving. Powers of punishment are far greater in the Crown Court.

Answer 3

indictable is more serious offence.