This work investigates the systemic failures and potential miscarriages of justice within the British legal system during the late 20th century. The authors, Peter Hill and Martin Young, utilize their investigative journalism backgrounds alongside the expertise of Tom Sargant, a long-time secretary of the organization Justice, to scrutinize specific criminal cases. They argue that procedural biases and investigative oversights often lead to the conviction of innocent individuals, challenging the infallibility of the judicial process.

Experts and legal observers frequently cite this text as a significant contribution to the discourse on wrongful convictions in the United Kingdom. Readers often note the clinical, investigative tone of the prose, which prioritizes factual documentation over sensationalism.