Throwing the Book

Why is the term "Throwing the book" used to negatively?
Doesn't the original text contain truth?
Is it because it expresses a truth that embarrasses someone else for their actions?

Heaven forbid I should be the one to clarify between assumptions, mistakes and intentional insubordination.

An example would be my husband's job at the jail. --
He locks down inmates who break the rules set forth in the handbook. Occasionally he's called out on one of his choices job requirements, "A three day lock down? Why so harsh?" To which he replies, "If you didn't really mean for me to do so, why did you establish that rule in your very own writing?"

There are many ways to "Throw the book". There are laws in our country, laws set forth by God, rules set forth by our jobs, social know hows and so forth.

These "books" were set forth to become a standard of conduct.
If a watered down version of these standards was meant, it would be written that way in the first place.
(at least exceptions would have been included in the foot notes)

It seems to me that too many people sheepishly avoid conflict by not bringing attention to truth and not upholding it like the standard it was originated to be, eventually "throwing the book" became socially derogatory to do.

The result - No one is operating at the lowest standard. 

Lines of right and wrong have become blurred due to too many exceptions, assumptions and misquotes.

It's a lazy form of existence.

I think if we actually went back and ingrained the original content....
We might get something done around here.