Classification of criminal offences

• What are the three types of criminal offences?

  Indictable, triable-either-way, summary
• What is the most serious type of criminal offence?

  Indictable
• What is the least serious type of criminal offence?

  Summary
• What are examples of indictable offences?

  Murder, manslaughter, robbery, s18
• What are examples of triable-either-way offences?

  Theft, s20
• What are examples of summary offences?

  Assault, battery
• What court are indictable offences heard and trialled in?

  Initial hearing in Magistrates' Court, then transferred to the Crown Court for trial
• What courts can triable-either-way offences be trialled in?

  Plea before either the Magistrates' Court or Crown Court
• What court are summary offences trialled in?

  Magistrates' Court
• What is the sentencing powers of the court for indictable offences?

  Up to the maximum set by specific offence by common law or by statute
• What is the sentencing powers of the court for triable-either-way offences?

  Up to the maximum set by specific offence by common law or by statute
• What is the sentencing powers of the court for summary offences?

  Up to 6 months imprisonment for a single offence or up to 12 months for two or more offences; and/or a fine (generally up to £5000)