Because legal standards, like "beyond a reasonable doubt," call for an unbiased, informed, and fair-minded reasoned judgment, rather than a precise mathematical calculation, critical thinking skills and all the positive habits of mind are essential for applying the legal standards well.

The statement correctly emphasizes the importance of critical thinking skills and habits of mind in applying legal standards accurately. The standards involve subjective and contextual judgments, and the legal system expects judges and juries to apply them fairly and impartially. Therefore, the ability to analyze evidence, evaluate arguments, weigh competing interests, and detect biases and fallacies is crucial for making sound legal decisions. Mathematical precision does not necessarily guarantee logical or ethical correctness in the legal context.