I tried to think of an overriding principle that might apply - some moral code that would guide my decision.

For benefiting others need not be an overriding principle, but merely a competing principle as to the proper theory of justice.

In the Constitution it would have been an overriding principle influencing the way courts interpret the law.

But it would be more posturing, the opposite of heeding Mr. Greenspan's urgent call to make deficit reduction the "overriding principle."

On one level, Brady's failure to reach the Pro Bowl is an affirmation of an overriding principle of slowly building a strong foundation.

But he said the "overriding principle" was to reduce the deficit, making compromise essential.

The commitment to the existing exchange rate is not a commitment to an overriding moral principle like the abolition of capital punishment or unilateral disarmament.

Inclusiveness is an overriding principle in eEurope 2005.

Democracy and national self-determination are an overriding principle.

Mr. Selassie said an overriding principle in the process "is the participation of the people."