What is the main difference between a summary offence and an indictable offence?

The correct answer highlights that summary offences pertain to less serious crimes. Summary offences are generally considered to be minor in nature, which means they entail less severe penalties compared to indictable offences. For example, driving offences or petty theft would typically fall under this category.

In contrast, indictable offences involve more serious criminal charges, such as robbery, murder, or actual bodily harm, which are often subject to more significant penalties, including longer prison sentences. Typically, summary offences are dealt with in Magistrates' Courts, while indictable offences are initially heard in these courts before possibly being sent to the Crown Court for trial.

This distinction in seriousness is a foundational aspect of the criminal justice system in terms of how cases are classified and processed. Understanding this differential helps clarify the legal procedures and environments in which various offenses are handled.