Which of the following is a characteristic of summary conviction offences in Canada?

Summary conviction offences are indeed characterized by less severe penalties compared to more serious charges such as indictable offences. These offences are typically considered less serious violations of the law and often result in lighter punishments, which may include shorter terms of imprisonment, smaller fines, or other less severe consequences.

By design, summary conviction offences can be resolved more quickly within the judicial system and do not require the same level of legal proceedings as indictable offences. This includes not being heard before a jury, which is usually reserved for more serious charges. Understanding the distinction in severity helps in grasping the framework of the Canadian legal system where different types of crimes are prosecuted differently based on their nature and potential impact on society.