making right judgments

“You shall not follow a crowd to do evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice” (Exodus 23:2).
 
Although the context of this teaching has to do with judicial proceedings, the first part of this verse gives a general principle for everyone—not just judges—to follow. Even when a majority makes the wrong judgment, others should not violate their own consciences and follow them.
 
Equally important, a person is not to give false testimony against another just to please the majority—in such cases, justice is set aside and truth does not prevail. The point is the majority is not always right.
 
No principle exists that could be more practical for us than this one: be your own person—stand on your own two feet—allow no one to lead you into a bad situation that can be only detrimental to you. Do what is right, regardless of what others do.
 
And, likewise, if you are called upon to make a judgment about another person, follow what you know to be true, regardless of what the majority says.