What do you mean by "legalistic"? Isn't that the right type of defense, when you are dealing with law? Say there is another case with all the facts are exactly

What do you mean by "legalistic"? Isn't that the right type of defense, when you are dealing with law? Say there is another case with all the facts are exactly as stated: goliath vs. little guy, and you are the little guy. What would you have the little guy do differently?