There are two exemptions to the doctrine of precedent each of which involves the use of tools of legal reasoning: 1) Distinguishing: If a judge finds that the facts of the case he is dealing with are very similar to those of the precedent while at the same time thinking that there is a material difference between the two, he may distinguish the precedent. 2) Overruling: A judge can also overrule a decision of a lower court, if he thinks that the lower court has wrongly decided.

The correct answer is D.