What is the term used for a minor criminal offence in the Criminal Code of Canada?

The term used for a minor criminal offence in the Criminal Code of Canada is summary conviction offence. Summary offences are usually less serious than indictable offences and typically carry lighter penalties. They are often dealt with in a simpler and more expedited manner in the legal system, without the need for a jury trial. The maximum penalties for summary conviction offences are generally less severe, which reflects their classification as minor crimes.

This understanding is crucial when distinguishing the levels of crime in Canadian law. Indictable offences represent more serious crimes with the potential for heavier penalties and more complex legal proceedings. Hybrid offences can be prosecuted as either summary or indictable, depending on the circumstances, while provincial offences pertain to violations of provincial statutes rather than the Criminal Code. Therefore, summary conviction offence specifically identifies those minor offences governed by the Criminal Code of Canada itself.