As with the traditional demurrer, preliminary objections are regarded as pleadings. Weems filed a demurrer to the charges, but this was overruled as well. Judge Baldwin denied the demurrer and was affirmed by the Minnesota Supreme Court on appeal. Lawyers informally define a demurrer as a defendant saying "So what?" to the pleading. Formerly the pleader had the fear of a demurrer before him. The word "demur" means "to object"; a "demurrer" is the document that makes the objection. A demurrer to a complaint can terminate a lawsuit. Judge Mathias Baldwin rejected the demurrer two weeks after the hearing. In the alternative, a judge may sustain a demurrer with prejudice or without prejudice. Day countered with a demurrer, disputing Wolfe's account. Brown's attorney, Edward Arens, claimed that mesmerism was an acknowledged fact and challenged the demurrer. The Special Term sustained a demurrer. Justice Miller first disposed of the demurrer. In criminal law demurrer is obsolete, although not formally abolished. Singer's claim is made in a notice of demurrer.