What defines a ‘summary offence’?

A summary offence is characterized as a minor criminal offence that is typically resolved without the involvement of a jury. These offences usually carry less severe penalties compared to indictable offences, allowing for a more streamlined legal process. Common examples of summary offences include minor traffic violations, public intoxication, and petty theft.

In terms of legal proceedings, summary offences are usually handled in lower courts, such as Magistrates' Courts, where a magistrate makes the determination of guilt or innocence. The less complex nature of these cases and their lower potential penalties make the jury trial unnecessary, as it can be both time-consuming and costly.

The other options reflect misinterpretations of summary offences. Major crimes that require jury trials are typically classified as indictable offences. Civil disputes and claims in tort law are entirely different concepts that pertain to legal matters not concerned with criminal charges. Therefore, the defining characteristics of a summary offence distinctly highlight its nature as a minor criminal issue that is resolved swiftly and efficiently within the legal system.