Demurral: meaning, definitions and examples
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demurral
[ dɪˈmɜːrəl ]
legal context
Demurral is a legal term that refers to a defendant's formal response to a complaint, whereby they assert that even if the allegations made by the plaintiff are true, there is insufficient legal grounds to proceed with the case. This typically results in the court's need to rule on the sufficiency of the complaint before moving forward.
Synonyms
challenge, objection, response
Examples of usage
- The lawyer filed a demurral to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence.
- After reviewing the charges, he decided to enter a demurral instead of a plea.
- The judge sustained the demurral, dismissing the case against the defendant.
Translations
Translations of the word "demurral" in other languages:
🇵🇹 oposição
🇮🇳 विरोध
🇩🇪 Widerspruch
🇮🇩 penolakan
🇺🇦 заперечення
🇵🇱 sprzeciw
🇯🇵 異議
🇫🇷 opposition
🇪🇸 oposición
🇹🇷 itiraz
🇰🇷 반대
🇸🇦 اعتراض
🇨🇿 námět
🇸🇰 námietka
🇨🇳 异议
🇸🇮 nasprotovanje
🇮🇸 mótmæli
🇰🇿 қарсылық
🇬🇪 წინააღმდეგობა
🇦🇿 etiraz
🇲🇽 oposición
Etymology
The term 'demurral' originates from the Middle English word 'demuren', which means to delay or postpone. This is derived from the Anglo-French term 'demurer', meaning to remain or hesitate. In the legal context, it has evolved to represent a formal objection to the sufficiency of the legal action against a party. The roots of the word can be traced further back to Latin 'morari', which means to delay or hinder. As such, 'demurral' has maintained its connection to the concept of hesitation or objection in legal proceedings, and has become a critical aspect of civil litigation.