Legal Definitions - on the merits

Definition: The phrase “on the merits” refers to a case where the decision is based on the law and evidence presented in the case, rather than on procedural grounds.

For example, if a person sues their landlord for not fixing a leaky roof, and the court decides in favor of the tenant because the landlord did not fulfill their legal obligation to maintain the property, the decision is based on the merits of the case. However, if the case is dismissed because the tenant did not file the correct paperwork, the decision is based on procedural grounds and not on the merits of the case.

The distinction between decisions based on the merits and those based on procedural grounds is important because a decision on the merits is considered final and is bound by res judicata. This means that the parties involved in the case cannot raise the same claims in a subsequent case.

For example, if a person sues their employer for discrimination and loses the case, they cannot file the same claim in a different court. However, if the case was dismissed on procedural grounds, such as the person filing the claim in the wrong court, they may be able to file the same claim in a different court.