merits

n. the good points or advantages that someone or something has.

n. the qualities or characteristics of something that deserve praise or approval.

“The committee will judge each application on its own merits rather than looking at the names.”

“The board decided to evaluate the proposal strictly on its merits, ignoring the political pressure from the local council.”

n. the actual facts and evidence of a legal case, rather than the rules of the court.

n. the substantive facts and legal principles of a case, as distinguished from procedural or technical issues.

“The judge dismissed the case on a technicality before even looking at the merits.”

“The appellate court refused to hear the case, ruling that the lower court had already correctly decided the matter on the merits.”

Formal · Technical