Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a summary trial
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a summary trial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to refer to a trial that is conducted in a simplified manner, often with expedited procedures. Example: "The court decided to proceed with a summary trial to resolve the matter quickly and efficiently."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Wiki
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
13 human-written examples
In all, about 1,200 prisoners were killed, most after a summary trial by a hastily constituted "popular tribunal".
Encyclopedias
He shows a summary trial by the K.K.K. of a black man whose sexual advances toward a white woman induced her to leap to her death.
News & Media
She was convicted of failing to comply with the notice in March following a summary trial at City of London Magistrates' Court and fined £1,020.
News & Media
At a nearby refugee camp, the Palestinian police arrested the man they said did the shooter and his accomplices, and in a summary trial early this morning, a Palestinian security court sentenced the man to death by hanging.
News & Media
He faced a summary trial worthy of Communist Cuba.Mr Lugo thus follows Manuel Zelaya of Honduras in becoming only the second Latin American president since 2005 to be forced out before completing his term.
News & Media
With the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in the summer of 1936, Primo de Rivera was held in prison, given a summary trial, and executed by the Republican authorities.
Encyclopedias
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
45 human-written examples
Abdul's story Abdul-Karim al-Naqshabandi, a Syrian, was arrested, tortured into signing a confession and then convicted of "witchcraft" after a secret, summary trial.
News & Media
Kirov's death was followed at once by a decree on the summary trial of terrorists.
Encyclopedias
Of the 746 reviews which had included at least one trial, almost half (44.9%) did not provide a summary of trial countries within the review (figure 3).
Science
The primary results from each study have been previously published in peer-reviewed journals [ 13, 14] or as a clinical trial registry (CTR) summary (, Trial ID: 5102).
Science
A summary of trial design is given in figure 1.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing legal proceedings, use "a summary trial" to denote a process designed for efficiency and speed, but be mindful of the potential implications for fairness and thoroughness. Use this term when the core focus is on streamlining the judicial process.
Common error
Avoid using "a summary trial" interchangeably with terms like "bench trial" or "jury trial". "A summary trial" refers to the speed and simplification of the process, not the method of adjudication (judge vs. jury). Make sure the context emphasizes efficiency, not just the absence of a jury.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a summary trial" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific type of legal proceeding. Ludwig AI shows examples from news, encyclopedias and wiki sources.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Encyclopedias
30%
Wiki
10%
Less common in
Science
9%
Formal & Business
6%
Social Media
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a summary trial" refers to an expedited legal proceeding often employed for efficiency. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis. While it's generally understood, alternatives such as "expedited trial" or "simplified trial" may be used to emphasize specific aspects of the process. It is important to distinguish the term from other trial types such as bench trial, and to focus the term on speed and simplification.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
expedited trial
Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the trial process.
fast-track trial
Highlights the accelerated nature of the trial.
simplified trial
Focuses on the reduced complexity and streamlined procedures of the trial.
quick trial
Underscores the brevity and swiftness of the trial.
abbreviated trial
Indicates that the trial is shorter and more concise than a standard trial.
streamlined trial
Highlights the efficiency and lack of unnecessary procedures.
expedited legal proceeding
Wider scope encompassing the process which the trial is part of.
rapid adjudication
Highlights the speedy process of reaching a verdict.
cursory hearing
Implies the hearing might lack thoroughness due to its brevity.
hasty trial
Suggests the trial was conducted with excessive speed, potentially compromising fairness.
FAQs
What does "a summary trial" mean in legal terms?
In legal terms, "a summary trial" refers to a trial conducted with expedited procedures, often to resolve matters quickly and efficiently. It typically involves simplified rules of evidence and shorter timelines than a standard trial.
When might a court opt for "a summary trial"?
A court might opt for "a summary trial" in cases where the facts are relatively straightforward, the amount in dispute is small, or the parties agree to a faster resolution. It's also used when delays would cause undue hardship.
What are some alternatives to saying "a summary trial"?
You can use alternatives like "expedited trial", "fast-track trial", or "simplified trial" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.
Is "a summary trial" the same as a bench trial?
No, "a summary trial" is not the same as a bench trial. A bench trial simply means the case is decided by a judge without a jury. A summary trial focuses on speed and simplification, while a bench trial focuses on who decides the case.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested