Summary jurisdiction

This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. The reason given is: Text mostly derived from the 1911 Britannica bears little relation to modern English law. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (March 2024)

Summary jurisdiction, in the widest sense of the phrase, in English law includes the power asserted by courts of record to deal brevi manu (directly) with contempts of court without the intervention of a jury. Probably the power was originally exercisable only when the fact was notorious, i.e. done in presence of the court. But it has long been exercised as to contempts outside of a court.

The term is also applied to the special powers given by statute or rules to the High Court of Justice and to county courts for dealing with certain classes of causes or matters by methods more simple and expeditious than the ordinary procedure of an action. But the phrase in modern times is applied almost exclusively to forms of jurisdiction exercised by justices of the peace out of general or quarter sessions, and without the assistance of a jury.