Can someone explain what indictable offences heard summarily are?

[hdxx]

Can someone please explain what indictable offences heard summarily are and why they can be tried in a Magistrates court.

[clarke54321]

Hi hdxx,

Indictable offences heard summarily are types of indictable offences (generally those that are less serious) that can be heard and determined by a Magistrate in the Magistrate's Court; given this is the original jurisdiction for summary offences. In this way, the accused no longer has to take the matter before a judge and jury in the County or Supreme Court and usually resolves the matter quicker and with less cost.

Here is a really good, in-depth breakdown of the types of indictable offences heard summarily from the Legal Aid webpage: http://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/sites/www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/files/vla-offence-snapshot-indictable-offences-triable-summarily.doc

Hope this helps! 

[hdxx]

Ahh!! thank you so so so so much

[meganrobyn]

Just don't talk about the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court doesn't hear matters that the defendant can elect to have heard summarily.