summary jurisdiction

English

Etymology

Compound of summary +‎ jurisdiction.

Pronunciation

• Audio (US):

  (file)

Noun

summary jurisdiction (uncountable)

1. (law) The authority of a court of law to summarily issue a conviction, typically for a petty crime, without requiring a trial by jury. [from 18th c.]
   • 1849, John Adams, Summary Jurisdiction: A Charge to the Grand Jury of the Quarter Sessions of the County of Middlesex, page 17:

     […] I would (so far as regards children under fourteen years) take from magistrates their present power of summary jurisdiction, and substitute very extensive powers of a different nature ;  […]

Translations

authority to summarily issue a conviction