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Interpretation Act 1978

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This is the original version (as it was originally enacted).

Construction of certain expressions relating to offences

In relation to England and Wales—

(a)" indictable offence " means an offence which, if committed by an adult, is triable on indictment, whether it is exclusively so triable or triable either way ;

(b)" summary offence" means an offence which, if committed by an adult, is triable only summarily;

(c)" offence triable either way" means an offence which, if committed by an adult, is triable either on indictment or summarily;

and the terms " indictable ", " summary " and " triable either way ". in their application to offences, are to be construed accordingly. In the above definitions references to the way or ways in which an offence is triable are to be construed without regard to the effect, if any, of section 23 of the [1977 c. 45.] Criminal Law Act 1977 on the mode of trial in a particular case.

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