What is a key feature of the criminal justice process for summary offences?

The correct choice highlights that summary offences are characterized by lesser penalties and quicker resolution compared to more serious crimes. Summary offences, which include minor offences like traffic violations or petty theft, are generally handled in local or magistrates' courts, where the proceedings are streamlined and less formal.

Since these offences typically carry lighter penalties, such as fines or short-term imprisonment, the legal process can be efficiently managed, leading to faster resolution. This aspect of the criminal justice process is designed to alleviate the burden on higher courts and allows the system to focus its resources on more serious offences requiring more extensive legal proceedings.

Other choices reflect characteristics more applicable to indictable offences, such as the necessity of jury trials or involvement of higher courts, which do not pertain to the summary offences. Additionally, lengthy investigations are more relevant to serious crimes that often require considerable resources and time to gather evidence.