Directive

Jean-Luc Picard: Do they know of our Prime Directive?

Data: They know everything I know, sir.

Jean-Luc Picard: And if we were to violate the Prime Directive...

Beverly Crusher: That's not a fair question.

Jean-Luc Picard: How would they react?

Data: That would be a case of judging us by our own rules, sir. If we violate our own Prime Directive they might consider us to be deceitful and untrustworthy. You do recall, they cautioned us not to interfere with their children below. What has happened?

Beverly Crusher: The Edo want to execute my son.

-Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 1, Episode 8, "Justice"