British Columbia (BC) Security Guard License Practice Exam

Which type of offense can be committed without a direct witness?

1. Summary offence

2. Indictable offence

3. Dual offence

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Dual offence

A dual offense can be committed without a direct witness because it encompasses both summary and indictable offenses, each of which can occur in various circumstances. Summary offenses are typically minor and may not always necessitate the presence of a witness for prosecution. Indictable offenses are more serious and often require more formal procedures, but some can also be proven without direct eyewitness accounts, relying instead on circumstantial evidence, forensic evidence, or other forms of proof. The key characteristic of a dual offense is its flexibility, allowing it to fall under either category depending on the specific circumstances of the act. This adaptability means that both types of offenses—summary and indictable—can exist within this classification, thereby making it possible to prosecute or recognize offenses even in the absence of a direct witness.