In legal terms, what is a 'summary offence'?

A summary offence refers to minor offences that are typically handled by magistrates in a magistrates' court. These offences are generally less serious and do not carry the potential for severe penalties that more serious crimes might entail. For example, offences such as petty theft, minor public disorder, or certain traffic violations can be classified as summary offences.

Since magistrates' courts deal with these less serious cases, the processes and potential sentences are generally straightforward and quicker compared to those in higher courts, like crown courts, which handle more serious cases. Summary offences typically result in lighter penalties, such as fines or community orders, rather than lengthy prison sentences. Therefore, identifying summary offences accurately helps reinforce the distinction in the legal framework between minor and more serious criminal activities.