What is a characteristic of a summary offence compared to an indictable offence?

A summary offence is characterized by being less serious than an indictable offence, which is reflected in the way it is processed in the legal system. One of the defining features of summary offences is that they are typically resolved in a lower court, such as a Magistrates' Court, without a jury. This streamlined process allows for quicker resolutions and reduces the burden on the court system, as these offences involve simpler legal issues and usually result in lighter penalties.

In contrast, indictable offences, which are more serious and complex, usually involve a jury trial in higher courts and often lead to more severe penalties. This distinction clarifies why summary offences are decided without a jury rather than the other options, which mischaracterize the nature and processing of summary offences.