  An influential view on analogy regards it as grounded in the principles that underlie existing cases (e.g. MacCormick 1978, 152–94; Eisenberg 1988, 83–96; Sunstein 1993). A body of cases can be examined to determine which principle (or set of coherent principles) explains and justifies those decisions, in a process akin to reflective equilibrium. The process is only akin to reflective equilibrium because the individual cases (the equivalent of the specific judgements about particular situations) are either immune from revision, or are highly resistant to revision.  So the principles must map the decided cases precisely, or must depart from only a small proportion of them. If the principle(s) identified in this process apply to the instant case, then that provides a good reason in favour of the result supported by the principle.