Legal Definitions - Trial on the merits

Definition: A trial in a court of law where the judge or jury decides the case based on the facts and evidence presented, according to the laws and rules of the jurisdiction.

Example 1: In a personal injury case, a trial on the merits would involve presenting evidence of the injury, the cause of the injury, and the damages suffered by the plaintiff. The judge or jury would then decide whether the defendant was liable for the injury and, if so, how much compensation the plaintiff should receive.

Example 2: In a criminal case, a trial on the merits would involve presenting evidence of the crime, including witness testimony, physical evidence, and expert opinions. The judge or jury would then decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the crime charged.

These examples illustrate how a trial on the merits is a formal legal proceeding where the facts and evidence are presented and evaluated according to the laws and rules of the jurisdiction. The judge or jury makes a decision based on the evidence presented, rather than on procedural or technical grounds.