"How long soever it hath continued, if it be against reason, it is of no force in law"

This quote by Edward Coke is referring to the idea of legal precedent. Precedent is a legal principle that specifies that choices made in similar cases must be used as a guide for future decisions. Nevertheless, Coke is stating that if a decision is made that goes against reason, then it needs to not be used as a legal precedent. Simply put, even if a decision has been made in the past, if it is not reasonable, then it ought to not be utilized as a guide for future decisions. This quote is emphasizing the importance of reason in the legal system. Coke is saying that even if a choice has actually been made in the past, if it is not sensible, then it ought to not be used as a guide for future decisions. This quote is stressing the value of factor in the legal system and is a suggestion that the law should be based on reason and not on tradition. This quote is a reminder that the law ought to be based on reason and not on custom, and that even if a choice has been made in the past, if it is not reasonable, then it should not be used as a guide for future decisions.