To rely solely on a small set of precepts, which are designed to be starting points for more, as well as presented in a form that suggests fluidity is a dangerous and shortsighted thing.

Law (like religion) tries to codify the basic beliefs of its constituency, and present society with guidelines that allow us to live together.

UNfortunately, even the best of people, with the best of intentions, will disagree, and resolution needs to be achieved, and consistency needs to be honored (otherwise we wouldn't know what interpretation we should follow).

It may be nice to think that if all people followed such revered ideals, we would have no conflict. In reality, most conflict occurs when people disagree over things as basic as "THou shall not kill".