What term is used for a less serious offence typically resolved without a jury?

The term that refers to a less serious offence typically resolved without a jury is a summary offence. Summary offences are generally minor legal violations, such as traffic violations or petty theft, which are handled in lower courts, often resulting in quicker resolutions. These offences usually carry lighter penalties compared to more serious ones, allowing for simpler procedures, including being processed by a magistrate rather than a jury.

Indictable offences, on the other hand, are much more serious crimes that usually require a jury trial, reflecting their complexity and the severity of their potential penalties. Felonies are similar to indictable offences and often indicate more severe legal classifications, typically involving significant prison time. Regulatory offences pertain to violations of specific regulations typically imposed by local, state, or national authorities rather than crimes against the public at large, and can be more closely associated with administrative penalties rather than criminal proceedings.