Quote Meaning - I’ve never been under the illusion that everybody on death row is innocent – far from it. My own guess is upwards of 90 percent are guilty. But a ten percent error rate if that’s what it is, or even five percent, is really way too high.

In the statement under consideration, Scott Turow acknowledges that most individuals on death row are guilty of their crimes, estimating this figure at around 90 percent. However, he also conveys his concern about the potential for wrongful convictions within the justice system, suggesting that even a small percentage of errors is unacceptably high.

The deep meaning of this quote lies in its reflection on the complexities and inherent risks involved in administering capital punishment. Turow’s statement underscores the gravity of human error in legal proceedings and highlights the profound consequences of such mistakes when they involve life-or-death decisions. By emphasizing that even a relatively low rate of wrongful convictions is too high, Turow calls for greater scrutiny and reform to ensure justice systems are as accurate as possible.

Scott Turow is an American novelist, lawyer, and former federal prosecutor known for his work on legal themes in literature. His extensive experience both in law practice and through writing about the intricacies of criminal justice gives him a unique perspective on issues like capital punishment and judicial fairness.

" I’ve never been under the illusion that everybody on death row is innocent – far from it. My own guess is upwards of 90 percent are guilty. But a ten percent error rate if that’s what it is, or even five percent, is really way too high. " - Scott Turow

" I’ve never been under the illusion that everybody on death row is innocent – far from it. My own guess is upwards of 90 percent are guilty. But a ten percent error rate if that’s what it is, or even five percent, is really way too high. "
- Scott Turow