2. Less serious offences
tried in Local Court by a
magistrate
Judgement and
punishment determined
by a magistrate
Charges laid by police
officer
Punishment usually not
severe, eg: fine,
community service
More serious offences
tried by a judge and a
jury
Judgement is
determined by a jury;
punishment by a judge
Charges laid by a
public prosecutor
Punishment usually
imprisonment or large
fine
Summary Offences Indictable Offences
3. Examples
Offensive language
Custody or use of laser
pointer in public place
Loitering by convicted child
sexual offenders near
premises frequented by
children
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/le
gis/nsw/consol_act/soa19881
89/
Offences against the
person where victim 14
years of age or over
Larceny and other
offences exceeding $5,000
Offences relating to bomb
and other hoaxes
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/le
gis/nsw/consol_act/cpa19861
88/sch1.html
Summary Offences Indictable Offences