demurrer test (Virginia) · Go Syfert
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demurrer test in Virginia

55 Virginia opinions name it 20 courts 1919–2026 6 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Virginia courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (33)

CaseFollowedCited
Welding, Inc. v. Bland County Service Authoritygreen
va · 2001 · cited in 7 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2003–2013
2 sentences

2013Id. (citing Welding, Inc. v. Bland County Service Auth., 261 Va. 218, 226 , 541 S.E.2d 909, 913 (2001)).

2013Id. (citing Welding, Inc. v. Bland County Service Auth., 261 Va. 218, 226 , 541 S.E.2d 909, 913 (2001)).

67
Thompson Ex Rel. Thompson v. Skate America, Inc.green
va · 2001 · cited in 5 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2004–2010
2 sentences

2004Demurrer to the Amended Motion for Judgmentfor Failure to Allege Facts Sufficient to Show that the Ordinance Causes the Petitioners Irreparable Damage Generally, the purpose of a demurrer is only to test the legal sufficiency of the pleadings. 2 Since all material facts pleaded, implied, or which may be inferred are to be taken as true, “the sole question to be decided by the trial court is whether the facts ... are legally sufficient to state a cause of action against the defendant.” Thompson v. Skate Am., Inc., 261 Va. 121, 128 , 540 S.E.2d 123, 126-27 (2001), These facts and inferences are

2004Demurrer to the Amended Motion for Judgmentfor Failure to Allege Facts Sufficient to Show that the Ordinance Causes the Petitioners Irreparable Damage Generally, the purpose of a demurrer is only to test the legal sufficiency of the pleadings. 2 Since all material facts pleaded, implied, or which may be inferred are to be taken as true, “the sole question to be decided by the trial court is whether the facts ... are legally sufficient to state a cause of action against the defendant.” Thompson v. Skate Am., Inc., 261 Va. 121, 128 , 540 S.E.2d 123, 126-27 (2001), These facts and inferences are

55
Glazebrook v. Board of Supervisorsgreen
va · 2003 · cited in 4 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2004–2011
2 sentences

2011Glazebrook v. Board of Supervisors, 266 Va. 550, 554 , 587 S.E.2d 589 (2003).

2011Glazebrook v. Board of Supervisors, 266 Va. 550, 554 , 587 S.E.2d 589 (2003).

34
Bellamy v. Gates and Gillgreen
va · 1973 · cited in 3 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1984–2002
2 sentences

2002Bellamy v. Gates, 214 Va. 314, 315-16 , 200 S.E.2d 533, 534 (1973).

2002Bellamy v. Gates, 214 Va. 314, 315-16 , 200 S.E.2d 533, 534 (1973).

23
Eagle Harbor, LLC v. Isle of Wight Countygreen
va · 2006 · cited in 2 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015Eagle Harbor, L.L.C. v. Isle of Wight County, 271 Va. 603, 611 (2006).

2015Eagle Harbor, L.L.C. v. Isle of Wight Cnty., 271 Va. 603, 611 (2006).

22
CaterCorp, Inc. v. Catering Concepts, Inc.green
va · 1993 · cited in 2 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2004–2005
2 sentences

2005Furthermore, “[o]n demurrer, a court may examine not only the substantive allegations of the pleading attached but also any accompanying exhibit mentioned in the pleading.” CaterCorp, Inc. v. Catering Concepts, Inc., 246 Va. 22, 24 , 431 S.E.2d 277, 278 (1993); see Ward’s Equip. v. New Holland N. Am., 254 Va. 379, 382 , 493 S.E.2d 516, 518 (1997) (in ruling on demurrer, the court may consider any written agreement added to the record on motion craving oyer).

2005Furthermore, “[o]n demurrer, a court may examine not only the substantive allegations of the pleading attached but also any accompanying exhibit mentioned in the pleading.” CaterCorp, Inc. v. Catering Concepts, Inc., 246 Va. 22, 24 , 431 S.E.2d 277, 278 (1993); see Ward’s Equip. v. New Holland N. Am., 254 Va. 379, 382 , 493 S.E.2d 516, 518 (1997) (in ruling on demurrer, the court may consider any written agreement added to the record on motion craving oyer).

22
Grossmann v. Saundersgreen
va · 1989 · cited in 2 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1991–2001
2 sentences

2001Grossmann v. Saunders, 237 Va. 113, 119 , 376 S.E.2d 66, 69 (1989); Penick v. Dekker, 228 Va. 161, 166 , 319 S.E.2d 760, 763 (1984).

2001Grossmann v. Saunders, 237 Va. 113, 119 , 376 S.E.2d 66, 69 (1989); Penick v. Dekker, 228 Va. 161, 166 , 319 S.E.2d 760, 763 (1984).

22
Ward's Equipment, Inc. v. New Holland North America, Inc.green
va · 1997 · cited in 3 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2005–2013
2 sentences

2013Id. (citing Welding, Inc. v. Bland County Service Auth., 261 Va. 218, 226 , 541 S.E.2d 909, 913 (2001)).

2013Id. (citing Welding, Inc. v. Bland County Service Auth., 261 Va. 218, 226 , 541 S.E.2d 909, 913 (2001)).

13
Fun v. Virginia Military Institutegreen
va · 1993 · cited in 2 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1997–2001
2 sentences

1997The purpose of a demurrer is to test "the sufficiency of factual allegations to determine whether die motion for judgment states a cause of action." Fun v. Virginia Military Institute, 245 Va. 249, 252 , 427 S.E.2d 181 (1993).

1997The purpose of a demurrer is to test "the sufficiency of factual allegations to determine whether die motion for judgment states a cause of action." Fun v. Virginia Military Institute, 245 Va. 249, 252 , 427 S.E.2d 181 (1993).

12
Concerned Taxpayers of Brunswick County v. County of Brunswickgreen
va · 1995 · cited in 2 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1997–2001
2 sentences

2001Riverview Farm Assocs. v. Bd. of Supervisors, 259 Va. 419, 427 , 528 S.E.2d 99, 103 (2000); Concerned Taxpayers v. County of Brunswick, 249 Va. 320, 327-28 , 455 S.E.2d 712, 716 (1995); Fun v. Va. Military Inst., 245 Va. 249, 252 , 427 S.E.2d 181, 183 (1993).

2001Riverview Farm Assocs. v. Bd. of Supervisors, 259 Va. 419, 427 , 528 S.E.2d 99, 103 (2000); Concerned Taxpayers v. County of Brunswick, 249 Va. 320, 327-28 , 455 S.E.2d 712, 716 (1995); Fun v. Va. Military Inst., 245 Va. 249, 252 , 427 S.E.2d 181, 183 (1993).

12
Penick v. Dekkergreen
va · 1984 · cited in 2 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1993–2001
2 sentences

2001Grossmann v. Saunders, 237 Va. 113, 119 , 376 S.E.2d 66, 69 (1989); Penick v. Dekker, 228 Va. 161, 166 , 319 S.E.2d 760, 763 (1984).

2001Grossmann v. Saunders, 237 Va. 113, 119 , 376 S.E.2d 66, 69 (1989); Penick v. Dekker, 228 Va. 161, 166 , 319 S.E.2d 760, 763 (1984).

12
Lewis v. Keigreen
va · 2011 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026“Therefore, in evaluating a demurrer to a claim of defamation, a trial court ‘must determine as a matter of law whether the allegedly defamatory statements contain provably false factual statements or are merely statements of opinion.’” Lewis v. Kei, 281 Va. 715, 725 (2011) (quoting Hyland v. Raytheon Tech.

11
Yeatts v. Murraygreen
va · 1995 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025See Martin v. Lahti, 295 Va. 77 , 88 (2018) (“An assignment of error that does not address the findings or rulings in the trial court . . . is not sufficient.” (alteration in original) (quoting Rule 5:17(c)(1)(iii)); see also Moison v. Commonwealth, 302 Va. 417 , 420 (2023) (“[t]he purpose of assignments of error is to point out the errors with reasonable certainty in order to direct [the] court and opposing counsel to the points on which appellant intends to ask a reversal of the judgment, and to limit discussion to these points” (alterations in original) (quoting Yeatts v. Murray, 249 Va. 28

11
Commonwealth v. Whitegreen
va · 2017 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024See Butcher v. Commonwealth, 298 Va. 392 , 396 (2020) (stating that “the doctrine of judicial restraint dictates that we decide cases ‘on the best and narrowest grounds available’” (quoting Commonwealth v. White, 293 Va. 411, 419 (2017))).

11
Cooper Industries, Inc. v. Melendezgreen
va · 2000 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024Furr Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., 297 Va. 539 , 549 (2019) (quoting Cooper Industries, Inc. v. Melendez, 260 Va. 578, 594 (2000)).

11
Smith v. Reidgreen
vaccfredericksb · 1992 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016More is needed than purely conclusory references to willful and wanton conduct.” (quoting Smith v. Reid, 28 Va. Cir. 381, 381-82 (Fredericksburg City 1992))).

11
Hawes v. Cummingsgreen
vaccchesapeake · 2014 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016E.g., Hawes v. Cummings, 89 Va. Cir. 289, 291 (Chesapeake City 2014) (“[W]hen considering a demurrer to such a claim, specific egregious and extraordinaiy facts must be alleged.

11
Richard Jennings Cabaniss v. Nancy Turner Cabanissgreen
vactapp · 2005 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
2 sentences

2016“While one of the main uses of a demurrer is to challenge a pleading as failing to state a cause of action or to state facts upon which relief can be granted, a demurrer is also used to assert ‘the lack of potential or active jurisdiction.’” Cabaniss v. Cabaniss, 46 Va. App. 595, 599-600 , 620 S.E.2d 559, 560-61 (2005) (quoting W.

2016“While one of the main uses of a demurrer is to challenge a pleading as failing to state a cause of action or to state facts upon which relief can be granted, a demurrer is also used to assert ‘the lack of potential or active jurisdiction.’” Cabaniss v. Cabaniss, 46 Va. App. 595, 599-600 , 620 S.E.2d 559, 560-61 (2005) (quoting W.

11
Group Insurance Concepts, Inc. v. Visium Solutions Corp.green
vacc · 2003 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015In dictum, the court cites Bershader for its conclusion that “case law suggests that attorney’s, fees are allowed in a law case involving fraud.” Id. at 113.

11
Taboada v. Daly Seven, Inc.green
va · 2006 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
2 sentences

2010Taboada v. Daly Seven, Inc., 271 Va. 313, 317-18 , 626 S.E.2d 428, 429-30 (2006).

2010Taboada v. Daly Seven, Inc., 271 Va. 313, 317-18 , 626 S.E.2d 428, 429-30 (2006).

11
Faulknier v. Shafergreen
va · 2002 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2008–2008
11
Votsis v. Ward's Coffee Shop, Inc.green
va · 1977 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
11
Ames v. American National Bankgreen
va · 1934 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
11
Solomon v. Atlantic Coast Line Railroadgreen
va · 1948 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
11
Flippo v. F & L LAND CO.green
va · 1991 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
11
Wright v. Castlesgreen
va · 1986 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
11
Fuste v. Riverside Healthcare Ass'n, Inc.green
va · 2003 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
11
Cox Cable Hampton Roads, Inc. v. City of Norfolkgreen
va · 1991 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Carmel v. City of Hamptongreen
va · 1991 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Riverview Farm Associates Virginia General Partnership v. Board of Supervisorsgreen
va · 2000 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Johnson v. Campbellgreen
va · 1999 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Chaves v. Johnsongreen
va · 1985 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995
11
Lentz v. Morrisgreen
va · 1988 · cited in 1 Virginia opinions naming this issue, 1991–1991
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Virginia. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (16)

CaseCitedYears
Hyland v. RAYTHEON TECHNICAL SERVICES CO. green
va · 2009
2 sentences

2012Therefore, in evaluating a demurrer to a claim of defamation, a trial court “must determine as a matter of law whether the allegedly defamatoiy statements contain provably false factual statements or are merely statements of opinion.” Id.

2011Therefore, in evaluating a demurrer to a claim of defamation, a trial court "must determine as a matter of law whether the allegedly defamatory statements contain provably false factual statements or are merely statements of opinion." Id.

22011–2012
Giant of Virginia, Inc. v. Pigg green
va · 1967
2 sentences

2025First, Pigg was tried to verdict and is not instructive in a demurrer analysis. 207 Va. at 683 .

2025Second, even if it were instructive, Massie’s complaint does not suggest that Doe had a prior relationship with Massie, nor does it provide any facts that suggest that Ulta, Doe, or the police were unwilling to consider her “avowals of innocence.” Id. at 685 .

12025–2025
Everette v. Woodward green
va · 1934
1 sentence

2024Id. at 426 .

12024–2024
Southern Biscuit Co. v. Lloyd green
va · 1940
1 sentence

2015At this time, the Court will not extend the precedent offered by the Defendant in Southern Biscuit Co. v. Lloyd, 174 Va. 299 (1940).

12015–2015
Reston Hospital Center, LLC v. Remley green
vactapp · 2011
2 sentences

2014“It is incumbent upon the appellant to plead facts sufficient to demonstrate standing.” Id. at 110 , 717 S.E.2d at 424 (citing Chesapeake Bay Found., 46 Va. App. at 120 , 616 S.E.2d at 47 ).

2014“It is incumbent upon the appellant to plead facts sufficient to demonstrate standing.” Id. at 110 , 717 S.E.2d at 424 (citing Chesapeake Bay Found., 46 Va. App. at 120 , 616 S.E.2d at 47 ).

12014–2014
Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Inc. v. Commonwealth Ex Rel. State Water Control Board green
vactapp · 2005
2 sentences

2014“It is incumbent upon the appellant to plead facts sufficient to demonstrate standing.” Id. at 110 , 717 S.E.2d at 424 (citing Chesapeake Bay Found., 46 Va. App. at 120 , 616 S.E.2d at 47 ).

2014“It is incumbent upon the appellant to plead facts sufficient to demonstrate standing.” Id. at 110 , 717 S.E.2d at 424 (citing Chesapeake Bay Found., 46 Va. App. at 120 , 616 S.E.2d at 47 ).

12014–2014
Wyatt v. Sussex Surry, L.L.C. neutral
vaccsurry · 2007
1 sentence

2010Id. at 306 .

12010–2010
Warner v. The Money Store Investment Corp. green
va · 1997
2 sentences

2010Equity further asserts a demurrer to the allegations in Count Two that Equity was required under the deed of trust “to act toward the plaintiff with perfect fairness and impartiality.” While Equity is correct in stating that the powers and duties of a trustee in a deed of trust are limited and defined by instrument, Equity is incorrect in maintaining that the trustee is not required to act toward the plaintiff with “perfect fairness and impartiality.” See Warner v. Clementson, 254 Va. 356, 361 , 492 S.E.2d 655 (1997).

2010Equity further asserts a demurrer to the allegations in Count Two that Equity was required under the deed of trust “to act toward the plaintiff with perfect fairness and impartiality.” While Equity is correct in stating that the powers and duties of a trustee in a deed of trust are limited and defined by instrument, Equity is incorrect in maintaining that the trustee is not required to act toward the plaintiff with “perfect fairness and impartiality.” See Warner v. Clementson, 254 Va. 356, 361 , 492 S.E.2d 655 (1997).

12010–2010
Blake Construction Co. v. Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority green
va · 2003
2 sentences

2009Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-273 (A); Blake Const. Co. v. Upper Occoquan Sewage Auth., 266 Va. 564 , 587 S.E.2d 711 (2003).

2009Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-273 (A); Blake Const. Co. v. Upper Occoquan Sewage Auth., 266 Va. 564 , 587 S.E.2d 711 (2003).

12009–2009
Connemara Corp. v. St. Andrews, L.L.C. green
vacclancaster · 2006
1 sentence

2008Andrews, L.L.C., 72 Va. Cir. 289 (Lancaster County, 2006), the court sustained a demurrer to a claim of unjust enrichment because Connemara had slept on its rights by failing to perfect a mechanic’s lien.

12008–2008
PULTE HOME CORPORATION v. Parex, Inc. green
va · 2003
12006–2006
Woods v. Mendez green
va · 2003
12003–2003
Bibber v. McCreary green
va · 1952
11995–1995
Booth v. Robertson green
va · 1988
11991–1991
Bledsoe v. Robinett neutral
va · 1906
11948–1948
Fry v. County of Albemarle green
va · 1890
11919–1919

Statutes the citing opinions construe

VA § Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-273 (9) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 17.1-413 (6) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-499 (5) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-184 (4) VA § Va. Code Ann. § 58.1-3984 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

CA 365 (1890–2026) PA 93 (1898–2025) VA 55 (1919–2026) NC 24 (1927–1969) NY 22 (1882–1953) GA 17 (1919–2014) CT 17 (1901–2001) MA 13 (1939–1976) IN 12 (1877–1960) OK 12 (1908–2017) OR 10 (1895–2024) AL 9 (1859–1983) MO 8 (1874–1946) MD 8 (1922–1993) WI 7 (1885–1974) KS 7 (1891–1963) SC 7 (1925–1984) TX 5 (1911–1945) VT 5 (1891–1959) KY 5 (1919–1939) MS 5 (1870–2011) OH 3 (1908–1966) TN 2 (1896–1925) WY 2 (1913–1921) MI 2 (1906–1922) MT 2 (1951–1953) ID 2 (1885–1957) SD 2 (1905–1916)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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