Positive commandment · Mitzvat Aseh #175 of 613
Inclining towards the many
לנטות אחרי רבים אם תהיה מחלוקת בין הסנהדרין בדינין
The verse · Shemot 23:2
לֹא־תִהְיֶה אַחֲרֵי־רַבִּים לְרָעֹת וְלֹא־תַעֲנֶה עַל־רִב לִנְטֹת אַחֲרֵי רַבִּים לְהַטֹּת
“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to incline after a multitude to pervert justice:”
The Rambam’s words
To follow the majority if there is a difference of opinion in the Sanhedrin concerning a law, as [Exodus 23:2] states: "Follow after the majority."
לנטות אחרי רבים אם תהיה מחלוקת בין הסנהדרין בדינין, שנאמר: "אחרי רבים--להטות" (שמות כג,ב).
Why · Sefer HaChinuch #78
Inclining towards the many
“It is from the roots of the commandment that we were commanded through this to strengthen the fulfillment of our religion.”
Who & when
“And [it] is practiced in every place and at all times by males and females.”
Where in the Mishneh Torah
Hilchot The Sanhedrin and the Penalties within Their Jurisdiction הלכות סנהדרין והעונשין המסורין להם