What Is Demur?

To demur in legal proceedings means to raise objections or express disagreement with a point, often without refusing to comply.

In a courtroom context, a demurrer is a formal objection to a point in a pleading, claiming that even if the facts presented by the opposing party are true, they do not constitute a valid cause of action.

Demur Explained

A demurrer challenges the legal sufficiency of a complaint or claim without addressing the facts themselves. It is used early in litigation to argue that a case should be dismissed because it fails to present a claim upon which relief can be granted.

If a court sustains (accepts) a demurrer, the plaintiff may be given the opportunity to amend their complaint to correct deficiencies, or the case may be dismissed.

The Term Demur in Different Legal Contexts

Civil Procedure: Demurrers are most commonly used in civil litigation as a pre-trial motion to dismiss a complaint for not stating a claim.

Criminal Law: Although less common, demurrers can be used in criminal cases to challenge the legal basis of the charges against the defendant.

Common Misconceptions About the Meaning of Demur

One common misconception is that a demurrer involves disputing the truth of the other party's claims. In reality, a demurrer takes the claims as true but argues that they do not provide a legal basis for action.

Another misunderstanding is that filing a demurrer always leads to the dismissal of the case. While a demurrer can lead to dismissal, it often results in the plaintiff being allowed to amend the complaint to address the issues raised by the demurrer.

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