What is the classification for unlawfully causing bodily harm according to Section 269 of the CCC?

Unlawfully causing bodily harm, according to Section 269 of the Criminal Code, is classified as both an indictable offence and an offence punishable on summary conviction. This dual classification indicates that the offence can be prosecuted in different ways, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the incident.

Being an indictable offence allows for more serious consequences, including longer prison sentences and broader legal procedures that may involve a trial by jury. On the other hand, the option of summary conviction provides a more straightforward and faster legal process, typically resulting in lighter penalties. This dual nature of the classification offers flexibility in the judicial process, enabling the legal system to respond appropriately to various cases of bodily harm.

In contrast, some options suggest that it could be an indictable offence only or solely a summary conviction offence, which fails to acknowledge the flexibility offered by the law regarding the severity and nature of the crime. The notion that it could be purely a civil matter is also misleading since bodily harm typically involves criminal charges under the Criminal Code rather than civil liabilities alone. Thus, understanding this specific classification is crucial for grasping how the legal system manages such offences.