Precedents are a cop out for critical thinking. Sure, they seem to have their uses, like when it guarantees victory for the righteous. However, it seems more likely it's being used as a 'they did it, so can we!' excuse.

It's one thing if you use it as a starting point for discourse, it's another when you use it to beat down the opposition with what amounts to childish antics dressed up in a suit and tie.