The Courts of Summary Jurisdiction
The Courts of Summary Jurisdiction (commonly referred to as Summary Courts) deal with less serious criminal matters and consist of the High Bailiff or Deputy High Bailiff sitting alone or panels of two or (usually) three lay magistrates.
Cases are either disposed of by the Summary Courts or, if appropriate, transferred to the Court of General Gaol Delivery for trial and/or sentence.
Most criminal cases are dealt with by the High Bailiff, Deputy High Bailiff or lay magistrates.
The Summary Courts sentencing powers include:-
- the imposition of fines;
- community service orders;
- probation orders; or
- custody up to the summary limit (i.e. usually a maximum of twelve months).
Below are two links to Summary Practice Directions issued by Her Worship Deputy High Bailiff Hughes: