Safety from False Convictions by Boaz Sangero - Book Review

Abstract

In his new book "Safety from False Convictions" Boaz Sangero develops his thesis, that was originally conceived together with Mordechai Halpert, to view the criminal law system as a "safety-critical system", much like the aviation field and the pharmaceuticals and drugs field, where every accident could result in catastrophic damage, especially the loss of life. According to Sangero, A false conviction is no less an accident than a fighter airplane crash, because it can cause grave harm to the individual and society in general. This grave harm is manifested by the deprivation of liberty in the form of imprisonment and even loss of life through the death penalty. Sangreo claims that it is therefore the state's moral duty to adopt and implement safety measures in the criminal justice system, like it does in other safety-critical fields. Sangero further argues that there is also an economic rationale for safety in the criminal justice system.