on its merits

Maine sued for relief based on the first wave of cuts, and a U.S. district judge granted a temporary restraining order, meaning that the funding is supposed to be restored until courts decide the case on its merits.

This decision was in a "category of its own", Sir James said, and the committee was right to consider the case on its merits.

"They read the press, and they know what's going on, but I think most people are willing to say, 'Let's judge this claim on its merits. ������ is the proof and what is the defence?'"

No longer would each claim be treated on its merits.”

But marriage equality in California was never vindicated on its merits, just on a technicality.