Summary dealing deals with minor criminal and military offences alleged against

• private soldiers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers
• Warrant Officers and officers

If you are accused of a minor criminal or military offence, a Commanding Officer may

• investigate the alleged offence

• conduct a summary hearing

• award limited punishments if the offence is proven

At any time before the summary hearing you can choose to be tried by Court-Martial if you do not want the Commanding Officer to deal with the case.

If the Commanding Officer finds the charge proven, they will award punishment after considering any mitigating circumstances.

The Commanding Officer has limited powers of punishment

• up to 28 days' detention (up to 60 days' detention if special permission is granted)

• fine of up to 28 days' pay

• a range of lesser penalties

Summary Appeal Court

All accused dealt with by summary hearing can appeal to the Summary Appeal Court, but must normally do so within 14 days of the date of the award.

The Summary Appeal Court consists of a judge advocate and two officers who will rehear the evidence. They may then uphold, quash or vary the Commanding Officer's finding and/or award.