Law Dictionary of Legal Terminology

SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS

SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS. When cases are-to be adjudged promptly, without any unnecessary form, the proceedings are said to be summary.

2. In no case can the party be tried summarily unless when such proceedings are authorized by legislative autliority, except perhaps in the cases of contempts, for the common law is a stranger to such a mode of trial. 4 Bl. Com. 280; 20 Vin. Ab. 42; Boscawen on Conv.; Paley on Convict.; vide Convictions.