A summary offence is a less serious offence always tried in the magistrates court.
An example of a summary offence is theft.
Which are summary offences?
Driving offences and common assault.
Driving offences and rape.
A tribal either way offence can vary in the degree of harm caused. It can be tried in either the crown or magistrates court.
Theft and assault occasioning in actual bodily harm are tribal either way offences.
An indictable offence is for example; murder, rape , manslaughter. Always tried in crown court.
Why are indictable offences tried at the crown court?
Its good publicity.
The penalty's at the magistrates court are too low for a big offence.
The magistrate court is to lazy to deal with bigger cases.
Fred has been charged with murder which court will he go to?
Crown Court.
Magistrates Court.
Aaron has been charged with driving without insurance what court will he go to?
Sarah stole some chocolate from her local shop, which court will she go to?
Either, depends if Magistrates take the case if not it is submitted to the crown court.
Would someone choose being tried at the magistrates because there is less publicity? if so why is this so?
No.
Yes. Because journalists spend their time at the crown court as this holds bigger cases potentially.
Yes. Because magistrates court has guards so journalists can't get near by.
