以上三个术语用于指被告所作出的三种不同类型的抗辩。其区别在于 general demurrer (也称为 general exception)为“一般抗辩”，指就指控事实不充足，即不能构成充足诉因而进行抗辩 [1]。special demurrer为“特殊抗辩”，则是就诉状的格式或结构不当而提起的抗辩，一般需指出诉状中具体的不当部分[2]。speaking demurrer则为“以讲述新事实而进行的抗辩”，是以讲述诉辩状中未有的且法院也不了解的事实的方式进行的一种抗辩[3]。

[1]“An objection pointing out a substantive defect in an opponent's pleading，such as the insufficiency of the claim or the court's lack of subject-matter jurisdiction；an objection to a pleading for want of substance. ”Cf. Bryan A. Gamer, Black's Law Dictionary, 7th edition ，at p. 583，West Group (1999).

[2]“An objection that questions the form of the pleading and states specially the nature of the objection, such as that the pleading violates the rules of pleading or practice. ”Id. at p. 445.

[3]“A speaking demurrer is one which，in order to sustain itself, requires the aid of a fact not appearing on the face of the pleading objected to, or, in other words, which alleges or assumes the existence of a fact not already pleaded，and which constitutes the ground of objection and is condemned both by the common law and the code system of pleading； a speaking demurrer is one which alleges some new matter, not disclosed by the pleading against which the demurrer is aimed and not judicially known or legally presumed to be true." Cf. The Publisher's Editorial Staff, Black's Law Dictionary，abridged 6th edition, at p. 299, West Publishing Co. (1991).