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guslI have thought of a half-baked solution to the witness protection problem:
how can we protect people who fear for their lives because they "know too much"? Have the witness record the incriminating information which he believes threatens his life, keep it in a confidential file offshore, and make it known to everyone that his murder (or simply his death) will trigger the release of the file (to the press / police). That way the crooks will want to keep the witness alive.
One problem is that somebody who *wants* the information released will then be incented to murder the witness.
Another problem is that it may not be quick or easy to record everything one knows. This is especially true of people with many years in the "business", who "know way too much". Then again, uncertainty about whether one's incriminating deeds are in the file may be enough deterrence to murdering the witness.
How do we make sure murderers believe that they're worse off killing you?
The institution would publicize the names of all people under its protection. Anyone will be able to check that on the Internet.
As long as the institution responds to the deaths / murders / disappearances reliably, professional criminals would know about it. If enough high-profile people go for this, their cases will be seen, and this will become a well-known mechanism. But perhaps one problem is getting over this initial bump.
how can we protect people who fear for their lives because they "know too much"? Have the witness record the incriminating information which he believes threatens his life, keep it in a confidential file offshore, and make it known to everyone that his murder (or simply his death) will trigger the release of the file (to the press / police). That way the crooks will want to keep the witness alive.
One problem is that somebody who *wants* the information released will then be incented to murder the witness.
Another problem is that it may not be quick or easy to record everything one knows. This is especially true of people with many years in the "business", who "know way too much". Then again, uncertainty about whether one's incriminating deeds are in the file may be enough deterrence to murdering the witness.
How do we make sure murderers believe that they're worse off killing you?
The institution would publicize the names of all people under its protection. Anyone will be able to check that on the Internet.
As long as the institution responds to the deaths / murders / disappearances reliably, professional criminals would know about it. If enough high-profile people go for this, their cases will be seen, and this will become a well-known mechanism. But perhaps one problem is getting over this initial bump.