What type of offence is associated with the act of spray painting a building?

The act of spray painting a building typically constitutes graffiti or vandalism, which can fall under the category of dual or hybrid offences. This classification means that the offence can be prosecuted either as a summary offence or an indictable offence depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In many jurisdictions, graffiti laws allow for different levels of prosecution based on factors such as the value of the property damage and whether the act was part of a broader criminal activity. If the damage is minor, it may be treated as a summary offence, which generally involves less severe penalties and simpler legal proceedings. However, if the act leads to significant property damage or is committed in conjunction with other serious offences, it may be treated as an indictable offence, which carries more severe consequences.

This flexibility in prosecution distinguishes dual or hybrid offences from summary offences or indictable offences, which are more fixed in their legal categorization and penalties. Thus, the correct classification for the act of spray painting a building is dual or hybrid, reflecting the variety of legal responses that can be applied based on the specifics of the case.