Crimes Act 1914
Subject to subsection (2) , an indictable offence (other than an offence referred to in subsection (4) ) against a law of the Commonwealth, being an offence punishable by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 10 years, may, unless the contrary intention appears, be heard and determined, with the consent of the prosecutor and the defendant, by a court of summary jurisdiction.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to an indictable offence where, under a law of the Commonwealth other than this Act, that offence may be heard and determined by a court of summary jurisdiction.
(3)
Subject to subsection (6) , where an offence is dealt with by a court of summary jurisdiction under subsection (1) , the court may impose: (a) where the offence is punishable by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 5 years - a sentence of imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding 60 penalty units, or both; or (b) where the offence is punishable by imprisonment for a period exceeding 5 years but not exceeding 10 years - a sentence of imprisonment for a period not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding 120 penalty units, or both.
(4)
A court of summary jurisdiction may, if it thinks fit, upon the request of the prosecutor, hear and determine any proceeding in respect of an indictable offence against a law of the Commonwealth if the offence relates to property whose value does not exceed $5,000.
S 4J(4) amended by No 41 of 2003, s 3 and Sch 1 item 4, by substituting " $5,000 " for " $500 " , applicable in relation to indictable offences committed after the start of 3 June 2003.
(5)
Subject to subsection (6) , where an offence is dealt with by a court of summary jurisdiction under subsection (4) , the court may impose a sentence of imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding 60 penalty units, or both.
(6)
A court of summary jurisdiction shall not impose under subsection (3) or (5) : (a) a sentence of imprisonment for a period exceeding the maximum period that could have been imposed had the offence been tried on indictment; (b) a fine exceeding the maximum fine that could have been imposed had the offence been so tried; or (c) both a sentence of imprisonment and a fine if the offence is punishable on trial on indictment by a sentence of imprisonment or a fine, but not both.
(7)
This section does not apply to an offence against: (a) (Repealed by No 67 of 2018) (b) Division 80 (other than Subdivision CA ) of the Criminal Code (treason, urging violence and advocating terrorism or genocide); or (c) Division 82 of the Criminal Code (sabotage); or (d) Division 91 of the Criminal Code (espionage); or. (e) Division 92 of the Criminal Code (foreign interference).
S 4J(7) amended by No 113 of 2023, s 3 and Sch 1 item 1, by inserting " (other than Subdivision CA) " in para (b), effective 8 January 2024.
S 4J(7) amended by No 67 of 2018, s 3 and Sch 2 item 4, by repealing para (a), applicable to conduct that occurs on or after 29 December 2018. Para (a) formerly read:
(a) subsection 79(2) or (5) of this Act; or
S 4J(7) substituted by No 67 of 2018, s 3 and Sch 1 item 37, effective 30 June 2018. S 4J(7) formerly read:
(7)
This section does not apply to an offence against:
(a) section 24AA or 24AB or subsection 79(2) or (5) of this Act; or
(b) Division 80 or section 91.1 of the Criminal Code .
S 4J(7) amended by No 144 of 2005, s 3 and Sch 7 item 1, by substituting " Division 80 or section 91.1 " for " section 80.1 or 91.1 " in para (b), effective 11 January 2006.
S 4J(7) substituted by No 91 of 2002 (as amended by No 100 of 2005, s 3 and Sch 2 item 10), s 3 and Sch 2 item 2, effective 28 November 2002. For transitional provision, see note under former s 78. S 4J(7) formerly read:
(7)
This section does not apply in relation to an offence against:
(a) section 24AA, 24AB or 78 or subsection 79(2) or (5) of this Act; or
(b) section 80.1 of the Criminal Code .
S 4J(7) substituted by No 65 of 2002, s 3 and Sch 1 item 6, effective 6 July 2002. S 4J(7) formerly read:
(7)
This section does not apply in relation to an offence against section 24, 24AA, 24AB or 78 or subsection 79(2) or (5).
Disclaimer and notice of copyright applicable to materials provided by CCH Australia Limited
CCH Australia Limited ("CCH") believes that all information which it has provided in this site is accurate and reliable, but gives no warranty of accuracy or reliability of such information to the reader or any third party. The information provided by CCH is not legal or professional advice. To the extent permitted by law, no responsibility for damages or loss arising in any way out of or in connection with or incidental to any errors or omissions in any information provided is accepted by CCH or by persons involved in the preparation and provision of the information, whether arising from negligence or otherwise, from the use of or results obtained from information supplied by CCH.
The information provided by CCH includes history notes and other value-added features which are subject to CCH copyright. No CCH material may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way, except that you may download one copy for your personal use only, provided you keep intact all copyright and other proprietary notices. In particular, the reproduction of any part of the information for sale or incorporation in any product intended for sale is prohibited without CCH's prior consent.