"ON THE MERITS" is a legal and evaluative term used to describe the decision-making process based solely on the intrinsic qualities or strengths of a particular case or argument, rather than considering any extraneous factors or biases. The phrase signifies making judgments or determinations based on the substance or essence of the matter at hand rather than being influenced by irrelevant considerations.
In legal contexts, this term often refers to the examination of the facts, evidence, and legal reasoning in a case, without considering any procedural or technical issues. When a court or a judge considers a matter "on the merits," they focus on the fundamental aspects of the case, such as the relevant legal principles, evidentiary support, or moral or ethical considerations, in order to arrive at a fair and just decision.
The concept of deciding "on the merits" is not limited to legal proceedings; it can also apply to various evaluative contexts, such as reviewing a scholarly article or assessing a job application. In these situations, the decision is based on the substantive qualities of the work or the qualifications of the applicant, rather than being influenced by unrelated factors like personal relationships or biases.
Overall, "on the merits" emphasizes objectivity, fairness, and a focus on the core aspects of the matter being evaluated, setting aside any extrinsic or irrelevant considerations that could potentially influence the decision-making process.
