Legal Definitions - meritorious

Meritorious describes something that is worthy of praise, reward, or has substantial legal merit. In a legal context, a meritorious action, claim, or defense is one that is well-founded in law and fact, suggesting it has a strong likelihood of success or is otherwise deserving of favorable consideration.

• Example 1: A Meritorious Legal Claim

  Imagine a small business owner who sues a large corporation for copyright infringement. The business owner has meticulously documented the corporation's use of their unique logo and marketing materials, including dates, screenshots, and expert opinions confirming the similarities. Furthermore, they have registered their copyright, providing clear legal protection.

  This would be considered a meritorious claim because it is not based on speculation or weak evidence. Instead, it is supported by strong factual evidence and a clear legal basis (copyright law), making it likely to succeed in court.

• Example 2: A Meritorious Defense

  Consider a situation where a person is accused of a minor traffic violation, but they present dashcam footage clearly showing that their vehicle was not involved in the incident at the time and location specified. They also have a receipt from a car wash across town dated minutes before the alleged violation.

  The defense presented by this individual is meritorious. It directly refutes the accusation with compelling, verifiable evidence, demonstrating that the accusation lacks factual basis and is unlikely to hold up in court.

• Example 3: Meritorious Professional Conduct

  An attorney dedicates hundreds of pro bono hours to represent a group of low-income tenants facing eviction due to a landlord's illegal practices. Through diligent research, skillful negotiation, and persuasive arguments in court, the attorney successfully prevents the evictions and secures compensation for the tenants' hardship.

  The attorney's actions and legal work are meritorious. Their efforts go beyond basic professional duty, demonstrating exceptional skill, dedication, and achieving a just and beneficial outcome for their clients, earning esteem within the legal community and for the public good.