参照指导性案例可以被理解为通过适用指导性案例进行规范性命题的证成,这既包括对指导性案例与待决案件相关相似性的逻辑判断,也包括对指导性案例与待决案件决定相似性的实质论证。这一法律论证过程为对指导性案例各构成要素的整体性参照,以裁判要点作为认识起点,以事实比对作为关键环节,以实质理由的确定与权衡作为决定要素。在指导性案例的构成要素中,只有裁判要点具备在判决理由中进行援引的资格,裁判要点之所以可被援引.在于通过案例指导制度所赋予它的权威性进行外部保障,以支持裁判要点的实质理由的说服力作为内在理据.
Refering to the guiding case is a process of justification for the normative propositions through applying the guiding case, and this not only means a logical judgement about the similarities between the guiding case and the pending case, but also includes the substantive arguments on similarities. To generally refer to all elements of the guiding case, judges should begin at verdict points, compare with similar facts, and balance substantive reasons between the guiding case and the current case. In the elements of the guiding case, only the verdict points have the qualifications to be cited in the judgment, because the verdict points are supported by the authority of the system of case guiding and by the persuasive force of the substantive reasons supporting the verdict points.