An example [in judicial proceedings] does no good which settles one question by another.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) A judicial precedent that resolves one disputed question only by raising another is of no value — a good example settles more than it disturbs.

Where this applies

• A judge cites a prior case to resolve a property dispute, but that prior case itself was decided on uncertain grounds — an example that merely raises new questions is no help.
• A court tries to use a precedent to settle an insurance question, but the precedent created more ambiguity than it resolved, making it worthless as guidance.
• A lawyer argues from a case that answered one legal question only by opening three more, and the judge rejects it as unhelpful.