In the context of law, what does the term 'indictable' signify?

The term 'indictable' signifies a classification for serious crimes that require a formal charge or indictment. In legal contexts, indictable offences are typically those deemed more severe than summary offences, which are generally less serious and can be addressed in a lower court without a formal indictment. Indictable offences often carry heavier penalties and may require a trial by jury in a higher court. This distinction is fundamental to understanding the legal system's hierarchy and the processes involved in prosecuting more serious crimes.

The incorrect options relate to different aspects of law. The first choice refers to civil disputes, which fall under a different legal classification altogether. The third choice mentions common law offences, which can include both indictable and summary crimes but do not specifically denote the serious nature of indictable offences. The last choice describes minor offences, which are not classified as indictable and are handled through different legal procedures. Each of these alternatives illustrates a different area of law, but only the designation of indictable correctly captures the essence of serious criminal behaviour in the legal framework.