What types of offences exist in criminal law classification?

In criminal law, offences are primarily classified into two main categories: summary conviction offences and indictable offences. Summary conviction offences are typically less serious violations, often punishable by shorter terms of imprisonment or fines. These offences usually involve a simpler legal process and are tried in the lower courts.

Indictable offences, on the other hand, are more serious in nature and carry heavier penalties, including longer prison sentences. Indictable offences require a more formal legal process, and individuals charged with such offences have the right to a preliminary hearing and can choose to be tried by a judge alone or by a jury.

The classification of offences into summary and indictable serves important legal and procedural functions, such as determining the seriousness of the charge and the corresponding legal rights of the accused. This classification does not include other terms like infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies, which may be used in different jurisdictions, but are not the primary classifications used in this context.