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 authority, 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.