We are to judge by laws, not by examples.

Explanation

Precedent is a guide, not a master — when a prior decision conflicts with the law itself, the law prevails and the precedent must yield.

Where this applies

• A prior court case set a precedent but it contradicts the actual text of the law.
• A bad example from the past shouldn't override what the law clearly says.

See also

• 8.1.5 It is the duty of a judge to declare the law, not to make it.
• 8.8.14 An interlocutory judgment may be recalled, but a final judgment may not.