Indictable offence - Definition and Overview

In many common law jurisdictions (e.g. Great Britain, Canada), an indictable offence is an offence which can only be tried on an indictment after a preliminary hearing or by a grand jury. In trials for indictable offences, the accused normally has the right to a jury trial, unless they waive that right. Compare summary offence. In the United States, a crime of similar severity is usually referred to as a felony although it too proceeds after an indictment.

In English law it is usual to use the term for those crimes the trial of which may be begun by an indictment. Offences for which an indictment is required are called 'indictable only'.

See also

• felony
• indictment