offence triable either way

They were: offences triable only on indictment; offences triable only summarily; and offences triable either way.

All offences under the Act are either summary offences or offences triable either way so inspectors start prosecutions by laying an information before the Magistrates' Court.

Juries are summoned for criminal trials in the Crown Court where the offence is an indictable offence or an offence triable either way that has been sent to the Crown Court after examination by magistrates.

Magistrates have the power to send any offence triable either way to the Crown Court but, even if they elect to try the case themselves, the accused retains the right to elect for a Crown Court trial with a jury.

There are many offences triable either way where a significant number of defendant's would seek trial but jury on the basis that the Crown would not wish them to elect so and consequently charge at a summary only level; affray is the classic in the field.