DEMURRER

in law, process whereby a party admits as true certain facts alleged by the opposition but asserts that they are not sufficient grounds for relief, or redress. A ruling on a demurrer can result in the quick disposition of a case resting on the point of law challenged in the demurrer. In criminal law a demurrer is usually based upon some defect in the indictment or the claim that the facts presented do not constitute a felony or serious crime. In civil cases demurrers are also often based upon some error or omission. A general demurrer attacks the general substance of an indictment or plea; a special demurrer attacks its structure or form or one specific part of it.