NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

What is an indictable-only offence?

1. An offence which can be tried in Magistrates Court

2. A serious offence which must go to Crown Court

3. A petty crime requiring immediate judgment

4. A crime that is only punishable by a fine

The correct answer is: A serious offence which must go to Crown Court

An indictable-only offence refers to a serious crime that is legally mandated to be tried in the Crown Court, rather than the Magistrates' Court. These offences typically involve more severe penalties and require a higher level of judicial process due to their seriousness. The nature of such offences necessitates the resources and jurisdiction of the Crown Court, which is equipped to handle complex cases, including those that may lead to lengthy prison sentences. In contrast, offences that can be tried in the Magistrates' Court are generally less serious and may not involve the same legal repercussions. Similarly, petty crimes and those punishable only by fines fall outside the category of indictable-only offences since they can be handled in a different judicial context with less severe implications. Therefore, option B accurately captures the definition of an indictable-only offence by emphasizing its requirement to be heard in the Crown Court due to the serious nature of the crime involved.