diff --git a/Cargo.toml b/Cargo.toml
index 7f08a55..1a0778c 100644
--- a/Cargo.toml
+++ b/Cargo.toml
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ dyn-clone = "1.0.18"
 log = "0.4"
 env_logger = "0.11"
 lazy_static = "1.5.0"
+thiserror = { version = "2.0.12" }
 # enabled by features:
 plonky2 = { git = "https://github.com/0xPolygonZero/plonky2", optional = true }
 serde = "1.0.219"
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/circuits/common.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/circuits/common.rs
index 240e2eb..cd12f63 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/circuits/common.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/circuits/common.rs
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 
 use std::{array, iter};
 
-use anyhow::Result;
 use plonky2::{
     field::{
         extension::Extendable,
@@ -19,6 +18,7 @@ use plonky2::{
 use crate::{
     backends::plonky2::{
         basetypes::D,
+        error::Result,
         mainpod::{Operation, OperationArg, Statement},
         primitives::merkletree::MerkleClaimAndProofTarget,
     },
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ impl StatementArgTarget {
         params: &Params,
         arg: &StatementArg,
     ) -> Result<()> {
-        pw.set_target_arr(&self.elements, &arg.to_fields(params))
+        Ok(pw.set_target_arr(&self.elements, &arg.to_fields(params))?)
     }
 
     fn new(first: ValueTarget, second: ValueTarget) -> Self {
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/circuits/mainpod.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/circuits/mainpod.rs
index de8b06e..b2a7a38 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/circuits/mainpod.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/circuits/mainpod.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-use anyhow::Result;
 use itertools::zip_eq;
 use plonky2::{
     hash::{hash_types::HashOutTarget, poseidon::PoseidonHash},
@@ -16,6 +15,7 @@ use crate::{
             },
             signedpod::{SignedPodVerifyGadget, SignedPodVerifyTarget},
         },
+        error::Result,
         mainpod,
         primitives::merkletree::{
             MerkleClaimAndProof, MerkleClaimAndProofTarget, MerkleProofGadget,
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/circuits/signedpod.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/circuits/signedpod.rs
index 73a0c37..3b06d19 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/circuits/signedpod.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/circuits/signedpod.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 use std::iter;
 
-use anyhow::Result;
 use itertools::Itertools;
 use plonky2::{
     hash::hash_types::{HashOut, HashOutTarget},
@@ -15,6 +14,7 @@ use crate::{
     backends::plonky2::{
         basetypes::D,
         circuits::common::{CircuitBuilderPod, StatementArgTarget, StatementTarget, ValueTarget},
+        error::Result,
         primitives::{
             merkletree::{
                 MerkleClaimAndProof, MerkleProofExistenceGadget, MerkleProofExistenceTarget,
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/error.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/error.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..088591d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/error.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+use std::{backtrace::Backtrace, fmt::Debug};
+
+use crate::middleware::{PodId, PodType, Value};
+
+pub type Result<T, E = Error> = core::result::Result<T, E>;
+
+#[derive(thiserror::Error, Debug)]
+pub enum InnerError {
+    #[error("id does not match, expected {0}, found {1}")]
+    IdNotEqual(PodId, PodId),
+    #[error("type does not match, expected {0}, found {1}")]
+    TypeNotEqual(PodType, Value),
+
+    // POD related
+    #[error("invalid POD ID")]
+    PodIdInvalid,
+    #[error("verification failed: POD does not have type statement")]
+    NotTypeStatement,
+    #[error("repeated ValueOf")]
+    RepeatedValueOf,
+    #[error("Statement did not check")]
+    StatementNotCheck,
+    #[error("Key not found")]
+    KeyNotFound,
+
+    // Other
+    #[error("{0}")]
+    Custom(String),
+}
+
+#[derive(thiserror::Error)]
+pub enum Error {
+    #[error("Inner: {inner}\n{backtrace}")]
+    Inner {
+        inner: Box<InnerError>,
+        backtrace: Box<Backtrace>,
+    },
+    #[error("anyhow::Error: {0}")]
+    Anyhow(#[from] anyhow::Error),
+    #[error("Plonky2 proof failed to verify: {0}")]
+    Plonky2ProofFail(anyhow::Error),
+    #[error("base64::DecodeError: {0}")]
+    Base64Decode(#[from] base64::DecodeError),
+    #[error(transparent)]
+    Tree(#[from] crate::backends::plonky2::primitives::merkletree::error::TreeError),
+    #[error(transparent)]
+    Middleware(#[from] crate::middleware::Error),
+}
+
+impl Debug for Error {
+    fn fmt(&self, f: &mut std::fmt::Formatter<'_>) -> std::fmt::Result {
+        std::fmt::Display::fmt(self, f)
+    }
+}
+
+macro_rules! new {
+    ($inner:expr) => {
+        Error::Inner {
+            inner: Box::new($inner),
+            backtrace: Box::new(Backtrace::capture()),
+        }
+    };
+}
+use InnerError::*;
+impl Error {
+    pub(crate) fn custom(s: String) -> Self {
+        new!(Custom(s))
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn plonky2_proof_fail(e: anyhow::Error) -> Self {
+        Self::Plonky2ProofFail(e)
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn key_not_found() -> Self {
+        new!(KeyNotFound)
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn statement_not_check() -> Self {
+        new!(StatementNotCheck)
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn repeated_value_of() -> Self {
+        new!(RepeatedValueOf)
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn not_type_statement() -> Self {
+        new!(NotTypeStatement)
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn pod_id_invalid() -> Self {
+        new!(PodIdInvalid)
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn id_not_equal(expected: PodId, found: PodId) -> Self {
+        new!(IdNotEqual(expected, found))
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn type_not_equal(expected: PodType, found: Value) -> Self {
+        new!(TypeNotEqual(expected, found))
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/mainpod/mod.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/mainpod/mod.rs
index 63d059f..c3324a3 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/mainpod/mod.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/mainpod/mod.rs
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ pub mod operation;
 pub mod statement;
 use std::any::Any;
 
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use itertools::Itertools;
 pub use operation::*;
 use plonky2::{
@@ -19,12 +18,13 @@ use crate::{
     backends::plonky2::{
         basetypes::{C, D},
         circuits::mainpod::{MainPodVerifyCircuit, MainPodVerifyInput},
+        error::{Error, Result},
         primitives::merkletree::MerkleClaimAndProof,
         signedpod::SignedPod,
     },
     middleware::{
-        self, AnchoredKey, Hash, MainPodInputs, NativeOperation, NonePod, OperationType, Params,
-        Pod, PodId, PodProver, PodType, StatementArg, ToFields, F, KEY_TYPE, SELF,
+        self, AnchoredKey, DynError, Hash, MainPodInputs, NativeOperation, NonePod, OperationType,
+        Params, Pod, PodId, PodProver, PodType, StatementArg, ToFields, F, KEY_TYPE, SELF,
     },
 };
 
@@ -70,11 +70,11 @@ pub(crate) fn extract_merkle_proofs(
         })
         .collect();
     if merkle_proofs.len() > params.max_merkle_proofs {
-        return Err(anyhow!(
+        return Err(Error::custom(format!(
             "The number of required Merkle proofs ({}) exceeds the maximum number ({}).",
             merkle_proofs.len(),
             params.max_merkle_proofs
-        ));
+        )));
     }
     Ok(merkle_proofs)
 }
@@ -90,10 +90,10 @@ fn find_op_arg(statements: &[Statement], op_arg: &middleware::Statement) -> Resu
                 (&middleware::Statement::try_from(s.clone()).ok()? == op_arg).then_some(i)
             })
             .map(OperationArg::Index)
-            .ok_or(anyhow!(
+            .ok_or(Error::custom(format!(
                 "Statement corresponding to op arg {} not found",
                 op_arg
-            )),
+            ))),
     }
 }
 
@@ -109,10 +109,10 @@ fn find_op_aux(
             .enumerate()
             .find_map(|(i, pf)| (pf.proof == *pf_arg).then_some(i))
             .map(OperationAux::MerkleProofIndex)
-            .ok_or(anyhow!(
+            .ok_or(Error::custom(format!(
                 "Merkle proof corresponding to op arg {} not found",
                 op_aux
-            )),
+            ))),
     }
 }
 
@@ -279,8 +279,8 @@ pub(crate) fn process_public_statements_operations(
 
 pub struct Prover {}
 
-impl PodProver for Prover {
-    fn prove(&mut self, params: &Params, inputs: MainPodInputs) -> Result<Box<dyn Pod>> {
+impl Prover {
+    fn _prove(&mut self, params: &Params, inputs: MainPodInputs) -> Result<MainPod> {
         let config = CircuitConfig::standard_recursion_config();
         let mut builder = CircuitBuilder::<F, D>::new(config);
         let main_pod = MainPodVerifyCircuit {
@@ -328,12 +328,22 @@ impl PodProver for Prover {
         let data = builder.build::<C>();
         let proof = data.prove(pw)?;
 
-        Ok(Box::new(MainPod {
+        Ok(MainPod {
             params: params.clone(),
             id,
             public_statements,
             proof,
-        }))
+        })
+    }
+}
+
+impl PodProver for Prover {
+    fn prove(
+        &mut self,
+        params: &Params,
+        inputs: MainPodInputs,
+    ) -> Result<Box<dyn Pod>, Box<DynError>> {
+        Ok(self._prove(params, inputs).map(Box::new)?)
     }
 }
 
@@ -364,16 +374,12 @@ pub(crate) fn normalize_statement(statement: &Statement, self_id: PodId) -> midd
     .unwrap()
 }
 
-impl Pod for MainPod {
-    fn verify(&self) -> Result<()> {
+impl MainPod {
+    fn _verify(&self) -> Result<()> {
         // 2. get the id out of the public statements
         let id: PodId = PodId(hash_statements(&self.public_statements, &self.params));
         if id != self.id {
-            return Err(anyhow!(
-                "id does not match, expected {}, computed {}",
-                self.id,
-                id
-            ));
+            return Err(Error::id_not_equal(self.id, id));
         }
 
         // 1, 3, 4, 5 verification via the zkSNARK proof
@@ -387,7 +393,13 @@ impl Pod for MainPod {
 
         let data = builder.build::<C>();
         data.verify(self.proof.clone())
-            .map_err(|e| anyhow!("MainPod proof verification failure: {:?}", e))
+            .map_err(|e| Error::custom(format!("MainPod proof verification failure: {:?}", e)))
+    }
+}
+
+impl Pod for MainPod {
+    fn verify(&self) -> Result<(), Box<DynError>> {
+        Ok(self._verify()?)
     }
 
     fn id(&self) -> PodId {
@@ -418,13 +430,14 @@ pub mod tests {
             signedpod::Signer,
         },
         examples::{zu_kyc_pod_builder, zu_kyc_sign_pod_builders},
-        frontend, middleware,
+        frontend::{self},
+        middleware,
         middleware::RawValue,
         op,
     };
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_main_zu_kyc() -> Result<()> {
+    fn test_main_zu_kyc() -> frontend::Result<()> {
         let params = middleware::Params {
             // Currently the circuit uses random access that only supports vectors of length 64.
             // With max_input_main_pods=3 we need random access to a vector of length 73.
@@ -447,7 +460,7 @@ pub mod tests {
         let kyc_pod = kyc_builder.prove(&mut prover, &params)?;
         let pod = (kyc_pod.pod as Box<dyn Any>).downcast::<MainPod>().unwrap();
 
-        pod.verify()
+        Ok(pod.verify()?)
     }
 
     #[test]
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/mainpod/operation.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/mainpod/operation.rs
index 80a6825..1ba2069 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/mainpod/operation.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/mainpod/operation.rs
@@ -1,11 +1,14 @@
 use std::fmt;
 
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use plonky2::field::types::Field;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 
 use crate::{
-    backends::plonky2::{mainpod::Statement, primitives::merkletree::MerkleClaimAndProof},
+    backends::plonky2::{
+        error::{Error, Result},
+        mainpod::Statement,
+        primitives::merkletree::MerkleClaimAndProof,
+    },
     middleware::{self, OperationType, Params, ToFields, F},
 };
 
@@ -78,12 +81,16 @@ impl Operation {
             OperationAux::MerkleProofIndex(i) => crate::middleware::OperationAux::MerkleProof(
                 merkle_proofs
                     .get(i)
-                    .ok_or(anyhow!("Missing Merkle proof index {}", i))?
+                    .ok_or(Error::custom(format!("Missing Merkle proof index {}", i)))?
                     .proof
                     .clone(),
             ),
         };
-        middleware::Operation::op(self.0.clone(), &deref_args, &deref_aux)
+        Ok(middleware::Operation::op(
+            self.0.clone(),
+            &deref_args,
+            &deref_aux,
+        )?)
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/mainpod/statement.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/mainpod/statement.rs
index 6b41637..b1fc4d2 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/mainpod/statement.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/mainpod/statement.rs
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 use std::fmt;
 
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 
-use crate::middleware::{
-    self, NativePredicate, Params, Predicate, StatementArg, ToFields, WildcardValue,
+use crate::{
+    backends::plonky2::error::{Error, Result},
+    middleware::{self, NativePredicate, Params, Predicate, StatementArg, ToFields, WildcardValue},
 };
 
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ impl ToFields for Statement {
 }
 
 impl TryFrom<Statement> for middleware::Statement {
-    type Error = anyhow::Error;
+    type Error = Error;
     fn try_from(s: Statement) -> Result<Self> {
         type S = middleware::Statement;
         type NP = NativePredicate;
@@ -78,7 +78,10 @@ impl TryFrom<Statement> for middleware::Statement {
                 (NP::MaxOf, (Some(SA::Key(ak1)), Some(SA::Key(ak2)), Some(SA::Key(ak3))), 3) => {
                     S::MaxOf(ak1, ak2, ak3)
                 }
-                _ => Err(anyhow!("Ill-formed statement expression {:?}", s))?,
+                _ => Err(Error::custom(format!(
+                    "Ill-formed statement expression {:?}",
+                    s
+                )))?,
             },
             Predicate::Custom(cpr) => {
                 let vs: Vec<WildcardValue> = proper_args
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/mock/mainpod.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/mock/mainpod.rs
index 9d744f5..08960e7 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/mock/mainpod.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/mock/mainpod.rs
@@ -4,12 +4,12 @@
 
 use std::fmt;
 
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use base64::{prelude::BASE64_STANDARD, Engine};
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 
 use crate::{
     backends::plonky2::{
+        error::{Error, Result},
         mainpod::{
             extract_merkle_proofs, hash_statements, layout_statements, normalize_statement,
             process_private_statements_operations, process_public_statements_operations, Operation,
@@ -18,15 +18,19 @@ use crate::{
         primitives::merkletree::MerkleClaimAndProof,
     },
     middleware::{
-        self, hash_str, AnchoredKey, MainPodInputs, NativePredicate, Params, Pod, PodId, PodProver,
-        Predicate, StatementArg, KEY_TYPE, SELF,
+        self, hash_str, AnchoredKey, DynError, MainPodInputs, NativePredicate, Params, Pod, PodId,
+        PodProver, Predicate, StatementArg, KEY_TYPE, SELF,
     },
 };
 
 pub struct MockProver {}
 
 impl PodProver for MockProver {
-    fn prove(&mut self, params: &Params, inputs: MainPodInputs) -> Result<Box<dyn Pod>> {
+    fn prove(
+        &mut self,
+        params: &Params,
+        inputs: MainPodInputs,
+    ) -> Result<Box<dyn Pod>, Box<DynError>> {
         Ok(Box::new(MockMainPod::new(params, inputs)?))
     }
 }
@@ -177,10 +181,8 @@ impl MockMainPod {
 
         Ok(pod)
     }
-}
 
-impl Pod for MockMainPod {
-    fn verify(&self) -> Result<()> {
+    fn _verify(&self) -> Result<()> {
         // 1. TODO: Verify input pods
 
         let input_statement_offset = self.offset_input_statements();
@@ -245,24 +247,28 @@ impl Pod for MockMainPod {
                     .unwrap()
                     .check_and_log(&self.params, &s.clone().try_into().unwrap())
             })
-            .collect::<Result<Vec<_>>>()
+            .collect::<Result<Vec<_>, middleware::Error>>()
             .unwrap();
         if !ids_match {
-            return Err(anyhow!("Verification failed: POD ID is incorrect."));
+            return Err(Error::pod_id_invalid());
         }
         if !has_type_statement {
-            return Err(anyhow!(
-                "Verification failed: POD does not have type statement."
-            ));
+            return Err(Error::not_type_statement());
         }
         if !value_ofs_unique {
-            return Err(anyhow!("Verification failed: Repeated ValueOf"));
+            return Err(Error::repeated_value_of());
         }
         if !statement_check.iter().all(|b| *b) {
-            return Err(anyhow!("Verification failed: Statement did not check."));
+            return Err(Error::statement_not_check());
         }
         Ok(())
     }
+}
+
+impl Pod for MockMainPod {
+    fn verify(&self) -> Result<(), Box<DynError>> {
+        Ok(self._verify()?)
+    }
     fn id(&self) -> PodId {
         self.id
     }
@@ -293,11 +299,12 @@ pub mod tests {
             great_boy_pod_full_flow, tickets_pod_full_flow, zu_kyc_pod_builder,
             zu_kyc_sign_pod_builders,
         },
+        frontend,
         middleware::{self},
     };
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_mock_main_zu_kyc() -> Result<()> {
+    fn test_mock_main_zu_kyc() -> frontend::Result<()> {
         let params = middleware::Params::default();
         let (gov_id_builder, pay_stub_builder, sanction_list_builder) =
             zu_kyc_sign_pod_builders(&params);
@@ -331,7 +338,7 @@ pub mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_mock_main_great_boy() -> Result<()> {
+    fn test_mock_main_great_boy() -> frontend::Result<()> {
         let params = middleware::Params::default();
         let great_boy_builder = great_boy_pod_full_flow()?;
 
@@ -349,7 +356,7 @@ pub mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_mock_main_tickets() -> Result<()> {
+    fn test_mock_main_tickets() -> frontend::Result<()> {
         let params = middleware::Params::default();
         let tickets_builder = tickets_pod_full_flow()?;
         let mut prover = MockProver {};
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/mock/signedpod.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/mock/signedpod.rs
index 90c0f5f..0f862ee 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/mock/signedpod.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/mock/signedpod.rs
@@ -1,14 +1,16 @@
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use itertools::Itertools;
 
 use crate::{
-    backends::plonky2::primitives::merkletree::MerkleTree,
+    backends::plonky2::{
+        error::{Error, Result},
+        primitives::merkletree::MerkleTree,
+    },
     constants::MAX_DEPTH,
     middleware::{
-        containers::Dictionary, hash_str, AnchoredKey, Hash, Key, Params, Pod, PodId, PodSigner,
-        PodType, RawValue, Statement, Value, KEY_SIGNER, KEY_TYPE,
+        containers::Dictionary, hash_str, AnchoredKey, DynError, Hash, Key, Params, Pod, PodId,
+        PodSigner, PodType, RawValue, Statement, Value, KEY_SIGNER, KEY_TYPE,
     },
 };
 
@@ -22,8 +24,8 @@ impl MockSigner {
     }
 }
 
-impl PodSigner for MockSigner {
-    fn sign(&mut self, _params: &Params, kvs: &HashMap<Key, Value>) -> Result<Box<dyn Pod>> {
+impl MockSigner {
+    fn _sign(&mut self, _params: &Params, kvs: &HashMap<Key, Value>) -> Result<MockSignedPod> {
         let mut kvs = kvs.clone();
         let pubkey = self.pubkey();
         kvs.insert(Key::from(KEY_SIGNER), Value::from(pubkey));
@@ -32,7 +34,17 @@ impl PodSigner for MockSigner {
         let dict = Dictionary::new(kvs.clone())?;
         let id = PodId(dict.commitment());
         let signature = format!("{}_signed_by_{}", id, pubkey);
-        Ok(Box::new(MockSignedPod { id, signature, kvs }))
+        Ok(MockSignedPod { id, signature, kvs })
+    }
+}
+
+impl PodSigner for MockSigner {
+    fn sign(
+        &mut self,
+        params: &Params,
+        kvs: &HashMap<Key, Value>,
+    ) -> Result<Box<dyn Pod>, Box<DynError>> {
+        Ok(self._sign(params, kvs).map(Box::new)?)
     }
 }
 
@@ -49,8 +61,8 @@ impl MockSignedPod {
     }
 }
 
-impl Pod for MockSignedPod {
-    fn verify(&self) -> Result<()> {
+impl MockSignedPod {
+    fn _verify(&self) -> Result<()> {
         // 1. Verify id
         let mt = MerkleTree::new(
             MAX_DEPTH,
@@ -62,23 +74,18 @@ impl Pod for MockSignedPod {
         )?;
         let id = PodId(mt.root());
         if id != self.id {
-            return Err(anyhow!(
-                "id does not match, expected {}, computed {}",
-                self.id,
-                id
-            ));
+            return Err(Error::id_not_equal(self.id, id));
         }
 
         // 2. Verify type
         let value_at_type = self
             .kvs
             .get(&Key::from(KEY_TYPE))
-            .ok_or(anyhow!("key not found"))?;
+            .ok_or(Error::key_not_found())?;
         if &Value::from(PodType::MockSigned) != value_at_type {
-            return Err(anyhow!(
-                "type does not match, expected MockSigned ({}), found {}",
+            return Err(Error::type_not_equal(
                 PodType::MockSigned,
-                value_at_type
+                value_at_type.clone(),
             ));
         }
 
@@ -86,18 +93,23 @@ impl Pod for MockSignedPod {
         let pk_hash = self
             .kvs
             .get(&Key::from(KEY_SIGNER))
-            .ok_or(anyhow!("key not found"))?;
+            .ok_or(Error::key_not_found())?;
         let signature = format!("{}_signed_by_{}", id, pk_hash);
         if signature != self.signature {
-            return Err(anyhow!(
+            return Err(Error::custom(format!(
                 "signature does not match, expected {}, computed {}",
-                self.id,
-                id
-            ));
+                self.id, id
+            )));
         }
 
         Ok(())
     }
+}
+
+impl Pod for MockSignedPod {
+    fn verify(&self) -> Result<(), Box<DynError>> {
+        Ok(self._verify()?)
+    }
 
     fn id(&self) -> PodId {
         self.id
@@ -149,7 +161,7 @@ pub mod tests {
             .downcast::<MockSignedPod>()
             .unwrap();
 
-        pod.verify()?;
+        pod._verify()?;
         println!("id: {}", pod.id());
         println!("kvs: {:?}", pod.kvs());
 
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/mod.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/mod.rs
index abc940e..23cda93 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/mod.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/mod.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,9 @@
 pub mod basetypes;
 pub mod circuits;
+mod error;
 pub mod mainpod;
 pub mod mock;
 pub mod primitives;
 pub mod signedpod;
+
+pub use error::*;
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree_circuit.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree/circuit.rs
similarity index 99%
rename from src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree_circuit.rs
rename to src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree/circuit.rs
index 68a24ba..6c096a2 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree_circuit.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree/circuit.rs
@@ -10,7 +10,6 @@
 //!
 use std::iter;
 
-use anyhow::Result;
 use plonky2::{
     field::types::Field,
     hash::{
@@ -28,6 +27,7 @@ use crate::{
     backends::plonky2::{
         basetypes::D,
         circuits::common::{CircuitBuilderPod, ValueTarget},
+        error::Result,
         primitives::merkletree::MerkleClaimAndProof,
     },
     middleware::{EMPTY_HASH, EMPTY_VALUE, F, HASH_SIZE},
@@ -408,7 +408,10 @@ pub mod tests {
 
     use super::*;
     use crate::{
-        backends::plonky2::{basetypes::C, primitives::merkletree::*},
+        backends::plonky2::{
+            basetypes::C,
+            primitives::merkletree::{keypath, kv_hash, MerkleTree},
+        },
         middleware::{hash_value, RawValue},
     };
 
@@ -693,6 +696,8 @@ pub mod tests {
         assert_eq!(
             MerkleTree::verify(max_depth, tree2.root(), &proof, &key, &value)
                 .unwrap_err()
+                .inner()
+                .unwrap()
                 .to_string(),
             "proof of inclusion does not verify"
         );
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree/error.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree/error.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f856883
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree/error.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
+//! tree errors
+
+use std::{backtrace::Backtrace, fmt::Debug};
+
+pub type TreeResult<T, E = TreeError> = core::result::Result<T, E>;
+
+#[derive(Debug, thiserror::Error)]
+pub enum TreeInnerError {
+    #[error("key not found")]
+    KeyNotFound,
+    #[error("key already exists")]
+    KeyExists,
+    #[error("max depth reached")]
+    MaxDepth,
+    #[error("reached empty node, should not have entered")]
+    EmptyNode,
+    #[error("proof of {0} does not verify")]
+    ProofFail(String), // inclusion / exclusion
+    #[error("invalid {0} proof")]
+    InvalidProof(String),
+    #[error("key too short (key length: {0}) for the max_depth: {1}")]
+    TooShortKey(usize, usize),
+}
+
+#[derive(thiserror::Error)]
+pub enum TreeError {
+    #[error("Inner: {inner}\n{backtrace}")]
+    Inner {
+        inner: Box<TreeInnerError>,
+        backtrace: Box<Backtrace>,
+    },
+    #[error("anyhow::Error: {0}")]
+    Anyhow(#[from] anyhow::Error),
+}
+
+impl Debug for TreeError {
+    fn fmt(&self, f: &mut std::fmt::Formatter<'_>) -> std::fmt::Result {
+        std::fmt::Display::fmt(self, f)
+    }
+}
+
+macro_rules! new {
+    ($inner:expr) => {
+        TreeError::Inner {
+            inner: Box::new($inner),
+            backtrace: Box::new(Backtrace::capture()),
+        }
+    };
+}
+use TreeInnerError::*;
+impl TreeError {
+    pub fn inner(&self) -> Option<&TreeInnerError> {
+        match self {
+            Self::Inner { inner, .. } => Some(inner),
+            _ => None,
+        }
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn key_not_found() -> Self {
+        new!(KeyNotFound)
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn key_exists() -> Self {
+        new!(KeyExists)
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn max_depth() -> Self {
+        new!(MaxDepth)
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn empty_node() -> Self {
+        new!(EmptyNode)
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn proof_fail(obj: String) -> Self {
+        new!(ProofFail(obj))
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn invalid_proof(obj: String) -> Self {
+        new!(InvalidProof(obj))
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn too_short_key(depth: usize, max_depth: usize) -> Self {
+        new!(TooShortKey(depth, max_depth))
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree/mod.rs
similarity index 92%
rename from src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree.rs
rename to src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree/mod.rs
index ce5bf98..7824fb7 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/merkletree/mod.rs
@@ -2,13 +2,16 @@
 //! https://0xparc.github.io/pod2/merkletree.html .
 use std::{collections::HashMap, fmt, iter::IntoIterator};
 
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use plonky2::field::types::Field;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 
-pub use super::merkletree_circuit::*;
 use crate::middleware::{hash_fields, Hash, RawValue, EMPTY_HASH, EMPTY_VALUE, F};
 
+pub mod circuit;
+pub use circuit::*;
+pub mod error;
+pub use error::{TreeError, TreeResult};
+
 /// Implements the MerkleTree specified at
 /// https://0xparc.github.io/pod2/merkletree.html
 #[derive(Clone, Debug)]
@@ -19,12 +22,12 @@ pub struct MerkleTree {
 
 impl MerkleTree {
     /// builds a new `MerkleTree` where the leaves contain the given key-values
-    pub fn new(max_depth: usize, kvs: &HashMap<RawValue, RawValue>) -> Result<Self> {
+    pub fn new(max_depth: usize, kvs: &HashMap<RawValue, RawValue>) -> TreeResult<Self> {
         // Construct leaves.
         let mut leaves: Vec<_> = kvs
             .iter()
             .map(|(k, v)| Leaf::new(max_depth, *k, *v))
-            .collect::<Result<_>>()?;
+            .collect::<TreeResult<_>>()?;
 
         // Start with a leaf or conclude with an empty node as root.
         let mut root = leaves.pop().map(Node::Leaf).unwrap_or(Node::None);
@@ -50,17 +53,17 @@ impl MerkleTree {
     }
 
     /// returns the value at the given key
-    pub fn get(&self, key: &RawValue) -> Result<RawValue> {
+    pub fn get(&self, key: &RawValue) -> TreeResult<RawValue> {
         let path = keypath(self.max_depth, *key)?;
         let key_resolution = self.root.down(0, self.max_depth, path, None)?;
         match key_resolution {
             Some((k, v)) if &k == key => Ok(v),
-            _ => Err(anyhow!("key not found")),
+            _ => Err(TreeError::key_not_found()),
         }
     }
 
     /// returns a boolean indicating whether the key exists in the tree
-    pub fn contains(&self, key: &RawValue) -> Result<bool> {
+    pub fn contains(&self, key: &RawValue) -> TreeResult<bool> {
         let path = keypath(self.max_depth, *key)?;
         match self.root.down(0, self.max_depth, path, None) {
             Ok(Some((k, _))) => {
@@ -77,7 +80,7 @@ impl MerkleTree {
     /// returns a proof of existence, which proves that the given key exists in
     /// the tree. It returns the `value` of the leaf at the given `key`, and the
     /// `MerkleProof`.
-    pub fn prove(&self, key: &RawValue) -> Result<(RawValue, MerkleProof)> {
+    pub fn prove(&self, key: &RawValue) -> TreeResult<(RawValue, MerkleProof)> {
         let path = keypath(self.max_depth, *key)?;
 
         let mut siblings: Vec<Hash> = Vec::new();
@@ -94,7 +97,7 @@ impl MerkleTree {
                     other_leaf: None,
                 },
             )),
-            _ => Err(anyhow!("key not found")),
+            _ => Err(TreeError::key_not_found()),
         }
     }
 
@@ -102,7 +105,7 @@ impl MerkleTree {
     /// `key` does not exist in the tree. The return value specifies
     /// the key-value pair in the leaf reached as a result of
     /// resolving `key` as well as a `MerkleProof`.
-    pub fn prove_nonexistence(&self, key: &RawValue) -> Result<MerkleProof> {
+    pub fn prove_nonexistence(&self, key: &RawValue) -> TreeResult<MerkleProof> {
         let path = keypath(self.max_depth, *key)?;
 
         let mut siblings: Vec<Hash> = Vec::new();
@@ -124,7 +127,7 @@ impl MerkleTree {
                 siblings,
                 other_leaf: Some((k, v)),
             }),
-            _ => Err(anyhow!("key found")),
+            _ => Err(TreeError::key_not_found()),
         }
         // both cases prove that the given key don't exist in the tree. ∎
     }
@@ -136,11 +139,11 @@ impl MerkleTree {
         proof: &MerkleProof,
         key: &RawValue,
         value: &RawValue,
-    ) -> Result<()> {
+    ) -> TreeResult<()> {
         let h = proof.compute_root_from_leaf(max_depth, key, Some(*value))?;
 
         if h != root {
-            Err(anyhow!("proof of inclusion does not verify"))
+            Err(TreeError::proof_fail("inclusion".to_string()))
         } else {
             Ok(())
         }
@@ -153,16 +156,18 @@ impl MerkleTree {
         root: Hash,
         proof: &MerkleProof,
         key: &RawValue,
-    ) -> Result<()> {
+    ) -> TreeResult<()> {
         match proof.other_leaf {
-            Some((k, _v)) if &k == key => Err(anyhow!("Invalid non-existence proof.")),
+            Some((k, _v)) if &k == key => {
+                Err(TreeError::invalid_proof("non-existence".to_string()))
+            }
             _ => {
                 let k = proof.other_leaf.map(|(k, _)| k).unwrap_or(*key);
                 let v: Option<RawValue> = proof.other_leaf.map(|(_, v)| v);
                 let h = proof.compute_root_from_leaf(max_depth, &k, v)?;
 
                 if h != root {
-                    Err(anyhow!("proof of exclusion does not verify"))
+                    Err(TreeError::proof_fail("exclusion".to_string()))
                 } else {
                     Ok(())
                 }
@@ -240,9 +245,9 @@ impl MerkleProof {
         max_depth: usize,
         key: &RawValue,
         value: Option<RawValue>,
-    ) -> Result<Hash> {
+    ) -> TreeResult<Hash> {
         if self.siblings.len() >= max_depth {
-            return Err(anyhow!("max depth reached"));
+            return Err(TreeError::max_depth());
         }
 
         let path = keypath(max_depth, *key)?;
@@ -372,9 +377,9 @@ impl Node {
         max_depth: usize,
         path: Vec<bool>,
         mut siblings: Option<&mut Vec<Hash>>,
-    ) -> Result<Option<(RawValue, RawValue)>> {
+    ) -> TreeResult<Option<(RawValue, RawValue)>> {
         if lvl >= max_depth {
-            return Err(anyhow!("max depth reached"));
+            return Err(TreeError::max_depth());
         }
 
         match self {
@@ -402,9 +407,9 @@ impl Node {
     }
 
     // adds the leaf at the tree from the current node (self), without computing any hash
-    pub(crate) fn add_leaf(&mut self, lvl: usize, max_depth: usize, leaf: Leaf) -> Result<()> {
+    pub(crate) fn add_leaf(&mut self, lvl: usize, max_depth: usize, leaf: Leaf) -> TreeResult<()> {
         if lvl >= max_depth {
-            return Err(anyhow!("max depth reached"));
+            return Err(TreeError::max_depth());
         }
 
         match self {
@@ -436,7 +441,7 @@ impl Node {
                     // Note: current approach returns an error when trying to
                     // add to a leaf where the key already exists. We could also
                     // ignore it if needed.
-                    return Err(anyhow!("key already exists"));
+                    return Err(TreeError::key_exists());
                 }
                 let old_leaf = l.clone();
                 // set self as an intermediate node
@@ -444,7 +449,7 @@ impl Node {
                 return self.down_till_divergence(lvl, max_depth, old_leaf, leaf);
             }
             Self::None => {
-                return Err(anyhow!("reached empty node, should not have entered"));
+                return Err(TreeError::empty_node());
             }
         }
         Ok(())
@@ -460,9 +465,9 @@ impl Node {
         max_depth: usize,
         old_leaf: Leaf,
         new_leaf: Leaf,
-    ) -> Result<()> {
+    ) -> TreeResult<()> {
         if lvl >= max_depth {
-            return Err(anyhow!("max depth reached"));
+            return Err(TreeError::max_depth());
         }
 
         if let Node::Intermediate(ref mut n) = self {
@@ -535,7 +540,7 @@ struct Leaf {
     value: RawValue,
 }
 impl Leaf {
-    fn new(max_depth: usize, key: RawValue, value: RawValue) -> Result<Self> {
+    fn new(max_depth: usize, key: RawValue, value: RawValue) -> TreeResult<Self> {
         Ok(Self {
             hash: None,
             path: keypath(max_depth, key)?,
@@ -560,17 +565,13 @@ impl Leaf {
 // max-depth? ie, what happens when two keys share the same path for more bits
 // than the max_depth?
 /// returns the path of the given key
-pub(crate) fn keypath(max_depth: usize, k: RawValue) -> Result<Vec<bool>> {
+pub(crate) fn keypath(max_depth: usize, k: RawValue) -> TreeResult<Vec<bool>> {
     let bytes = k.to_bytes();
     if max_depth > 8 * bytes.len() {
         // note that our current keys are of Value type, which are 4 Goldilocks
         // field elements, ie ~256 bits, therefore the max_depth can not be
         // bigger than 256.
-        return Err(anyhow!(
-            "key to short (key length: {}) for the max_depth: {}",
-            8 * bytes.len(),
-            max_depth
-        ));
+        return Err(TreeError::too_short_key(8 * bytes.len(), max_depth));
     }
     Ok((0..max_depth)
         .map(|n| bytes[n / 8] & (1 << (n % 8)) != 0)
@@ -617,7 +618,7 @@ pub mod tests {
     use super::*;
 
     #[test]
-    fn test_merkletree() -> Result<()> {
+    fn test_merkletree() -> TreeResult<()> {
         let mut kvs = HashMap::new();
         for i in 0..8 {
             if i == 1 {
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/mod.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/mod.rs
index 1fa75d7..7dcd478 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/mod.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/mod.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,2 @@
 pub mod merkletree;
-mod merkletree_circuit;
 pub mod signature;
-mod signature_circuit;
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/signature_circuit.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/signature/circuit.rs
similarity index 97%
rename from src/backends/plonky2/primitives/signature_circuit.rs
rename to src/backends/plonky2/primitives/signature/circuit.rs
index f25ee43..914f697 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/signature_circuit.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/signature/circuit.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 #![allow(unused)]
-use anyhow::Result;
 use lazy_static::lazy_static;
 use plonky2::{
     field::types::Field,
@@ -26,8 +25,9 @@ use crate::{
     backends::plonky2::{
         basetypes::{Proof, C, D},
         circuits::common::{CircuitBuilderPod, ValueTarget},
+        error::Result,
         primitives::signature::{
-            PublicKey, SecretKey, Signature, DUMMY_PUBLIC_INPUTS, DUMMY_SIGNATURE,
+            PublicKey, SecretKey, Signature, DUMMY_PUBLIC_INPUTS, DUMMY_SIGNATURE, VP,
         },
     },
     middleware::{Hash, RawValue, EMPTY_HASH, EMPTY_VALUE, F, VALUE_SIZE},
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ impl SignatureVerifyGadget {
     pub fn eval(&self, builder: &mut CircuitBuilder<F, D>) -> Result<SignatureVerifyTarget> {
         let enabled = builder.add_virtual_bool_target_safe();
 
-        let common_data = super::signature::VP.0.common.clone();
+        let common_data = VP.0.common.clone();
 
         // targets related to the 'public inputs' for the verification of the
         // `SignatureInternalCircuit` proof.
@@ -161,10 +161,7 @@ impl SignatureVerifyTarget {
             )?;
         }
 
-        pw.set_verifier_data_target(
-            &self.verifier_data_targ,
-            &super::signature::VP.0.verifier_only,
-        )?;
+        pw.set_verifier_data_target(&self.verifier_data_targ, &VP.0.verifier_only)?;
 
         Ok(())
     }
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/signature.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/signature/mod.rs
similarity index 97%
rename from src/backends/plonky2/primitives/signature.rs
rename to src/backends/plonky2/primitives/signature/mod.rs
index cbd3d6c..bb3a4e1 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/signature.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/primitives/signature/mod.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 //! Proof-based signatures using Plonky2 proofs, following
 //! https://eprint.iacr.org/2024/1553 .
-use anyhow::Result;
 use lazy_static::lazy_static;
 use plonky2::{
     field::types::Sample,
@@ -20,9 +19,14 @@ use plonky2::{
     },
 };
 
-pub use super::signature_circuit::*;
+pub mod circuit;
+pub use circuit::*;
+
 use crate::{
-    backends::plonky2::basetypes::{Proof, C, D},
+    backends::plonky2::{
+        basetypes::{Proof, C, D},
+        error::{Error, Result},
+    },
     middleware::{RawValue, F, VALUE_SIZE},
 };
 
@@ -121,6 +125,7 @@ impl Signature {
             proof: self.0.clone(),
             public_inputs,
         })
+        .map_err(Error::plonky2_proof_fail)
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/backends/plonky2/signedpod.rs b/src/backends/plonky2/signedpod.rs
index d6c10d7..12b98e5 100644
--- a/src/backends/plonky2/signedpod.rs
+++ b/src/backends/plonky2/signedpod.rs
@@ -1,24 +1,26 @@
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use itertools::Itertools;
 
 use crate::{
-    backends::plonky2::primitives::{
-        merkletree::MerkleTree,
-        signature::{PublicKey, SecretKey, Signature},
+    backends::plonky2::{
+        error::{Error, Result},
+        primitives::{
+            merkletree::MerkleTree,
+            signature::{PublicKey, SecretKey, Signature},
+        },
     },
     constants::MAX_DEPTH,
     middleware::{
-        containers::Dictionary, AnchoredKey, Hash, Key, Params, Pod, PodId, PodSigner, PodType,
-        RawValue, Statement, Value, KEY_SIGNER, KEY_TYPE,
+        containers::Dictionary, AnchoredKey, DynError, Hash, Key, Params, Pod, PodId, PodSigner,
+        PodType, RawValue, Statement, Value, KEY_SIGNER, KEY_TYPE,
     },
 };
 
 pub struct Signer(pub SecretKey);
 
-impl PodSigner for Signer {
-    fn sign(&mut self, _params: &Params, kvs: &HashMap<Key, Value>) -> Result<Box<dyn Pod>> {
+impl Signer {
+    fn _sign(&mut self, _params: &Params, kvs: &HashMap<Key, Value>) -> Result<SignedPod> {
         let mut kvs = kvs.clone();
         let pubkey = self.0.public_key();
         kvs.insert(Key::from(KEY_SIGNER), Value::from(pubkey.0));
@@ -28,11 +30,21 @@ impl PodSigner for Signer {
         let id = RawValue::from(dict.commitment()); // PodId as Value
 
         let signature: Signature = self.0.sign(id)?;
-        Ok(Box::new(SignedPod {
+        Ok(SignedPod {
             id: PodId(Hash::from(id)),
             signature,
             dict,
-        }))
+        })
+    }
+}
+
+impl PodSigner for Signer {
+    fn sign(
+        &mut self,
+        params: &Params,
+        kvs: &HashMap<Key, Value>,
+    ) -> Result<Box<dyn Pod>, Box<DynError>> {
+        Ok(self._sign(params, kvs).map(Box::new)?)
     }
 }
 
@@ -43,15 +55,14 @@ pub struct SignedPod {
     pub dict: Dictionary,
 }
 
-impl Pod for SignedPod {
-    fn verify(&self) -> Result<()> {
+impl SignedPod {
+    fn _verify(&self) -> Result<()> {
         // 1. Verify type
         let value_at_type = self.dict.get(&Key::from(KEY_TYPE))?;
         if Value::from(PodType::Signed) != *value_at_type {
-            return Err(anyhow!(
-                "type does not match, expected Signed ({}), found {}",
+            return Err(Error::type_not_equal(
                 PodType::Signed,
-                value_at_type
+                value_at_type.clone(),
             ));
         }
 
@@ -67,11 +78,7 @@ impl Pod for SignedPod {
         )?;
         let id = PodId(mt.root());
         if id != self.id {
-            return Err(anyhow!(
-                "id does not match, expected {}, computed {}",
-                self.id,
-                id
-            ));
+            return Err(Error::id_not_equal(self.id, id));
         }
 
         // 3. Verify signature
@@ -81,6 +88,12 @@ impl Pod for SignedPod {
 
         Ok(())
     }
+}
+
+impl Pod for SignedPod {
+    fn verify(&self) -> Result<(), Box<DynError>> {
+        Ok(self._verify().map_err(Box::new)?)
+    }
 
     fn id(&self) -> PodId {
         self.id
@@ -135,7 +148,7 @@ pub mod tests {
         let pod = pod.sign(&mut signer).unwrap();
         let pod = (pod.pod as Box<dyn Any>).downcast::<SignedPod>().unwrap();
 
-        pod.verify()?;
+        pod._verify()?;
         println!("id: {}", pod.id());
         println!("kvs: {:?}", pod.kvs());
 
diff --git a/src/examples/custom.rs b/src/examples/custom.rs
index 439fa05..3131555 100644
--- a/src/examples/custom.rs
+++ b/src/examples/custom.rs
@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 use std::sync::Arc;
 
-use anyhow::Result;
 use StatementTmplBuilder as STB;
 
 use crate::{
-    frontend::{key, literal, CustomPredicateBatchBuilder, StatementTmplBuilder},
+    frontend::{key, literal, CustomPredicateBatchBuilder, Result, StatementTmplBuilder},
     middleware::{
         CustomPredicateBatch, CustomPredicateRef, NativePredicate as NP, Params, PodType,
         Predicate, KEY_SIGNER, KEY_TYPE,
diff --git a/src/examples/mod.rs b/src/examples/mod.rs
index ef9fdb0..f94d099 100644
--- a/src/examples/mod.rs
+++ b/src/examples/mod.rs
@@ -2,12 +2,11 @@ pub mod custom;
 
 use std::collections::HashSet;
 
-use anyhow::Result;
 use custom::{eth_dos_batch, eth_friend_batch};
 
 use crate::{
     backends::plonky2::mock::signedpod::MockSigner,
-    frontend::{MainPodBuilder, SignedPod, SignedPodBuilder},
+    frontend::{MainPodBuilder, Result, SignedPod, SignedPodBuilder},
     middleware::{
         containers::Set, CustomPredicateRef, Params, PodType, Statement, TypedValue, Value,
         KEY_SIGNER, KEY_TYPE,
diff --git a/src/frontend/custom.rs b/src/frontend/custom.rs
index 74ef68e..708fe77 100644
--- a/src/frontend/custom.rs
+++ b/src/frontend/custom.rs
@@ -1,11 +1,10 @@
 #![allow(unused)]
 use std::{collections::HashMap, fmt, hash as h, iter, iter::zip, sync::Arc};
 
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use schemars::JsonSchema;
 
 use crate::{
-    frontend::{AnchoredKey, Statement, StatementArg},
+    frontend::{AnchoredKey, Error, Result, Statement, StatementArg},
     middleware::{
         self, hash_str, CustomPredicate, CustomPredicateBatch, Key, KeyOrWildcard, NativePredicate,
         Params, PodId, Predicate, StatementTmpl, StatementTmplArg, ToFields, Value, Wildcard,
@@ -131,17 +130,17 @@ impl CustomPredicateBatchBuilder {
         sts: &[StatementTmplBuilder],
     ) -> Result<Predicate> {
         if args.len() > params.max_statement_args {
-            return Err(anyhow!(
-                "args.len {} is over the limit {}",
+            return Err(Error::max_length(
+                "args.len".to_string(),
                 args.len(),
-                params.max_statement_args
+                params.max_statement_args,
             ));
         }
         if (args.len() + priv_args.len()) > params.max_custom_predicate_wildcards {
-            return Err(anyhow!(
-                "wildcards.len {} is over the limit {}",
+            return Err(Error::max_length(
+                "wildcards.len".to_string(),
                 args.len() + priv_args.len(),
-                params.max_custom_predicate_wildcards
+                params.max_custom_predicate_wildcards,
             ));
         }
 
diff --git a/src/frontend/error.rs b/src/frontend/error.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a578d56
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/frontend/error.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+use std::{backtrace::Backtrace, fmt::Debug};
+
+use crate::middleware::{DynError, Statement, StatementTmpl};
+
+pub type Result<T, E = Error> = core::result::Result<T, E>;
+
+#[derive(thiserror::Error, Debug)]
+pub enum InnerError {
+    #[error("{0} {1} is over the limit {2}")]
+    MaxLength(String, usize, usize),
+    #[error("{0} doesn't match {1}")]
+    StatementsDontMatch(Statement, StatementTmpl),
+    #[error("invalid arguments to {0} operation")]
+    OpInvalidArgs(String),
+    // Other
+    #[error("{0}")]
+    Custom(String),
+}
+
+#[derive(thiserror::Error)]
+pub enum Error {
+    #[error("Inner: {inner}\n{backtrace}")]
+    Inner {
+        inner: Box<InnerError>,
+        backtrace: Box<Backtrace>,
+    },
+    #[error(transparent)]
+    Infallible(#[from] std::convert::Infallible),
+    #[error(transparent)]
+    Backend(#[from] Box<DynError>),
+    #[error(transparent)]
+    Middleware(#[from] crate::middleware::Error),
+}
+
+impl Debug for Error {
+    fn fmt(&self, f: &mut std::fmt::Formatter<'_>) -> std::fmt::Result {
+        std::fmt::Display::fmt(self, f)
+    }
+}
+
+macro_rules! new {
+    ($inner:expr) => {
+        Error::Inner {
+            inner: Box::new($inner),
+            backtrace: Box::new(Backtrace::capture()),
+        }
+    };
+}
+use InnerError::*;
+impl Error {
+    pub(crate) fn custom(s: impl Into<String>) -> Self {
+        new!(Custom(s.into()))
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn op_invalid_args(s: String) -> Self {
+        new!(OpInvalidArgs(s))
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn statements_dont_match(s0: Statement, s1: StatementTmpl) -> Self {
+        new!(StatementsDontMatch(s0, s1))
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn max_length(obj: String, found: usize, expect: usize) -> Self {
+        new!(MaxLength(obj, found, expect))
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/frontend/mod.rs b/src/frontend/mod.rs
index e73e49f..f5e592b 100644
--- a/src/frontend/mod.rs
+++ b/src/frontend/mod.rs
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@
 
 use std::{collections::HashMap, convert::From, fmt};
 
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use itertools::Itertools;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 
@@ -14,9 +13,11 @@ use crate::middleware::{
 };
 
 mod custom;
+mod error;
 mod operation;
 mod serialization;
 pub use custom::*;
+pub use error::*;
 pub use operation::*;
 use serialization::*;
 
@@ -101,7 +102,7 @@ impl SignedPod {
         self.pod.id()
     }
     pub fn verify(&self) -> Result<()> {
-        self.pod.verify()
+        self.pod.verify().map_err(Error::Backend)
     }
     pub fn kvs(&self) -> &HashMap<Key, Value> {
         &self.kvs
@@ -276,11 +277,17 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
                 let container =
                     op.1.get(0)
                         .and_then(|arg| arg.value())
-                        .ok_or(anyhow!("Invalid container argument for op {}.", op))?;
+                        .ok_or(Error::custom(format!(
+                            "Invalid container argument for op {}.",
+                            op
+                        )))?;
                 let key =
                     op.1.get(1)
                         .and_then(|arg| arg.value())
-                        .ok_or(anyhow!("Invalid key argument for op {}.", op))?;
+                        .ok_or(Error::custom(format!(
+                            "Invalid key argument for op {}.",
+                            op
+                        )))?;
                 let proof = if op_type == &Native(ContainsFromEntries) {
                     container.prove_existence(key)?.1
                 } else {
@@ -292,7 +299,7 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
         }
     }
 
-    fn op(&mut self, public: bool, op: Operation) -> Result<Statement, anyhow::Error> {
+    fn op(&mut self, public: bool, op: Operation) -> Result<Statement> {
         use NativeOperation::*;
         let mut op = Self::fill_in_aux(Self::lower_op(op))?;
         let Operation(op_type, ref mut args, _) = &mut op;
@@ -301,7 +308,7 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
             // We are dealing with a copy here.
             match (args).first() {
                 Some(OperationArg::Statement(s)) if args.len() == 1 => Ok(s.predicate().clone()),
-                _ => Err(anyhow!("Invalid arguments to copy operation: {:?}", args)),
+                _ => Err(Error::op_invalid_args("copy".to_string())),
             }
         })?;
 
@@ -312,7 +319,7 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
                 CopyStatement => match &args[0] {
                     OperationArg::Statement(s) => s.args().clone(),
                     _ => {
-                        return Err(anyhow!("Invalid arguments to copy operation: {}", op));
+                        return Err(Error::op_invalid_args("copy".to_string()));
                     }
                 },
                 EqualFromEntries => self.op_args_entries(public, args)?,
@@ -331,14 +338,14 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
                             if ak1 == ak2 {
                                 vec![StatementArg::Key(ak0), StatementArg::Key(ak3)]
                             } else {
-                                return Err(anyhow!(
-                                    "Invalid arguments to transitive equality operation"
+                                return Err(Error::op_invalid_args(
+                                    "transitivity equality".to_string(),
                                 ));
                             }
                         }
                         _ => {
-                            return Err(anyhow!(
-                                "Invalid arguments to transitive equality operation"
+                            return Err(Error::op_invalid_args(
+                                "transitivity equality".to_string(),
                             ));
                         }
                     }
@@ -348,7 +355,7 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
                         vec![StatementArg::Key(ak0), StatementArg::Key(ak1)]
                     }
                     _ => {
-                        return Err(anyhow!("Invalid arguments to gt-to-neq operation"));
+                        return Err(Error::op_invalid_args("gt-to-neq".to_string()));
                     }
                 },
                 LtToNotEqual => match args[0].clone() {
@@ -356,7 +363,7 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
                         vec![StatementArg::Key(ak0), StatementArg::Key(ak1)]
                     }
                     _ => {
-                        return Err(anyhow!("Invalid arguments to lt-to-neq operation"));
+                        return Err(Error::op_invalid_args("lt-to-neq".to_string()));
                     }
                 },
                 SumOf => match (args[0].clone(), args[1].clone(), args[2].clone()) {
@@ -375,11 +382,11 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
                                 StatementArg::Key(ak2),
                             ]
                         } else {
-                            return Err(anyhow!("Invalid arguments to sum-of operation"));
+                            return Err(Error::op_invalid_args("sum-of".to_string()));
                         }
                     }
                     _ => {
-                        return Err(anyhow!("Invalid arguments to sum-of operation"));
+                        return Err(Error::op_invalid_args("sum-of".to_string()));
                     }
                 },
                 ProductOf => match (args[0].clone(), args[1].clone(), args[2].clone()) {
@@ -398,11 +405,11 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
                                 StatementArg::Key(ak2),
                             ]
                         } else {
-                            return Err(anyhow!("Invalid arguments to product-of operation"));
+                            return Err(Error::op_invalid_args("product-of".to_string()));
                         }
                     }
                     _ => {
-                        return Err(anyhow!("Invalid arguments to product-of operation"));
+                        return Err(Error::op_invalid_args("product-of".to_string()));
                     }
                 },
                 MaxOf => match (args[0].clone(), args[1].clone(), args[2].clone()) {
@@ -421,11 +428,11 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
                                 StatementArg::Key(ak2),
                             ]
                         } else {
-                            return Err(anyhow!("Invalid arguments to max-of operation"));
+                            return Err(Error::op_invalid_args("max-of".to_string()));
                         }
                     }
                     _ => {
-                        return Err(anyhow!("Invalid arguments to max-of operation"));
+                        return Err(Error::op_invalid_args("max-of".to_string()));
                     }
                 },
                 ContainsFromEntries => self.op_args_entries(public, args)?,
@@ -441,17 +448,17 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
             OperationType::Custom(cpr) => {
                 let pred = &cpr.batch.predicates[cpr.index];
                 if pred.statements.len() != args.len() {
-                    return Err(anyhow!(
+                    return Err(Error::custom(format!(
                         "Custom predicate operation needs {} statements but has {}.",
                         pred.statements.len(),
                         args.len()
-                    ));
+                    )));
                 }
                 // All args should be statements to be pattern matched against statement templates.
                 let args = args.iter().map(
                     |a| match a {
                         OperationArg::Statement(s) => Ok(s.clone()),
-                        _ => Err(anyhow!("Invalid argument {} to operation corresponding to custom predicate {:?}.", a, cpr))
+                        _ => Err(Error::custom(format!("Invalid argument {} to operation corresponding to custom predicate {:?}.", a, cpr)))
                     }
                 ).collect::<Result<Vec<_>>>()?;
 
@@ -462,7 +469,7 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
                     for (st_tmpl_arg, st_arg) in st_tmpl.args.iter().zip(&st_args) {
                         if !check_st_tmpl(st_tmpl_arg, st_arg, &mut wildcard_map) {
                             // TODO: Add wildcard_map in the error for better context
-                            return Err(anyhow!("{} doesn't match {}", st, st_tmpl));
+                            return Err(Error::statements_dont_match(st.clone(), st_tmpl.clone()));
                         }
                     }
                 }
@@ -563,7 +570,11 @@ impl MainPodBuilder {
                 }
                 _ => None,
             })
-            .ok_or(anyhow!("Missing POD type information in POD: {:?}", pod))?;
+            .ok_or(Error::custom(format!(
+                // TODO use a specific Error
+                "Missing POD type information in POD: {:?}",
+                pod
+            )))?;
         // Replace instances of `SELF` with the POD ID for consistency
         // with `pub_statements` method.
         let public_statements = [type_statement]
@@ -676,7 +687,7 @@ impl MainPodCompiler {
             op.1.iter()
                 .flat_map(|arg| self.compile_op_arg(arg))
                 .collect_vec();
-        middleware::Operation::op(op.0.clone(), &mop_args, &op.2)
+        Ok(middleware::Operation::op(op.0.clone(), &mop_args, &op.2)?)
     }
 
     fn compile_st_op(&mut self, st: &Statement, op: &Operation, params: &Params) -> Result<()> {
@@ -684,11 +695,10 @@ impl MainPodCompiler {
         let is_correct = middle_op.check(params, st)?;
         if !is_correct {
             // todo: improve error handling
-            Err(anyhow!(
+            Err(Error::custom(format!(
                 "Compile failed due to invalid deduction:\n {} ⇏ {}",
-                middle_op,
-                st
-            ))
+                middle_op, st
+            )))
         } else {
             self.push_st_op(st.clone(), middle_op);
             Ok(())
@@ -822,11 +832,10 @@ pub mod tests {
         if kvs == embedded_kvs {
             Ok(())
         } else {
-            Err(anyhow!(
+            Err(Error::custom(format!(
                 "KVs {:?} do not agree with those embedded in the POD: {:?}",
-                kvs,
-                embedded_kvs
-            ))
+                kvs, embedded_kvs
+            )))
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/src/frontend/serialization.rs b/src/frontend/serialization.rs
index 116830a..64158f4 100644
--- a/src/frontend/serialization.rs
+++ b/src/frontend/serialization.rs
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 
 use crate::{
     backends::plonky2::mock::{mainpod::MockMainPod, signedpod::MockSignedPod},
-    frontend::{MainPod, SignedPod, Statement},
+    frontend::{Error, MainPod, SignedPod, Statement},
     middleware::{containers::Dictionary, Key, PodId, Value},
 };
 
@@ -20,14 +20,14 @@ pub struct SignedPodHelper {
 }
 
 impl TryFrom<SignedPodHelper> for SignedPod {
-    type Error = anyhow::Error;
+    type Error = Error;
 
     fn try_from(helper: SignedPodHelper) -> Result<SignedPod, Self::Error> {
         if helper.pod_class != "Signed" {
-            return Err(anyhow::anyhow!("pod_class is not Signed"));
+            return Err(Error::custom("pod_class is not Signed"));
         }
         if helper.pod_type != "Mock" {
-            return Err(anyhow::anyhow!("pod_type is not Mock"));
+            return Err(Error::custom("pod_type is not Mock"));
         }
 
         let dict = Dictionary::new(helper.entries.clone())?.clone();
@@ -62,18 +62,18 @@ pub struct MainPodHelper {
 }
 
 impl TryFrom<MainPodHelper> for MainPod {
-    type Error = anyhow::Error; // or you can create a custom error type
+    type Error = Error; // or you can create a custom error type
 
     fn try_from(helper: MainPodHelper) -> Result<Self, Self::Error> {
         if helper.pod_class != "Main" {
-            return Err(anyhow::anyhow!("pod_class is not Main"));
+            return Err(Error::custom("pod_class is not Main"));
         }
         if helper.pod_type != "Mock" {
-            return Err(anyhow::anyhow!("pod_type is not Mock"));
+            return Err(Error::custom("pod_type is not Mock"));
         }
 
         let pod = MockMainPod::deserialize(helper.proof)
-            .map_err(|e| anyhow::anyhow!("Failed to deserialize proof: {}", e))?;
+            .map_err(|e| Error::custom(format!("Failed to deserialize proof: {}", e)))?;
 
         Ok(MainPod {
             pod: Box::new(pod),
@@ -97,12 +97,10 @@ impl From<MainPod> for MainPodHelper {
 mod tests {
     use std::collections::HashSet;
 
-    use anyhow::Result;
     // Pretty assertions give nicer diffs between expected and actual values
     use pretty_assertions::assert_eq;
     use schemars::schema_for;
 
-    //  use schemars::generate::SchemaSettings;
     use super::*;
     use crate::{
         backends::plonky2::mock::{mainpod::MockProver, signedpod::MockSigner},
@@ -110,7 +108,7 @@ mod tests {
             eth_dos_pod_builder, eth_friend_signed_pod_builder, zu_kyc_pod_builder,
             zu_kyc_sign_pod_builders,
         },
-        frontend::SignedPodBuilder,
+        frontend::{Result, SignedPodBuilder},
         middleware::{
             self,
             containers::{Array, Set},
diff --git a/src/middleware/basetypes.rs b/src/middleware/basetypes.rs
index 66f1fda..9dbc513 100644
--- a/src/middleware/basetypes.rs
+++ b/src/middleware/basetypes.rs
@@ -45,7 +45,6 @@ use std::{
     fmt,
 };
 
-use anyhow::Result;
 use hex::{FromHex, FromHexError};
 use plonky2::{
     field::{
diff --git a/src/middleware/containers.rs b/src/middleware/containers.rs
index 9b1b569..1a630a5 100644
--- a/src/middleware/containers.rs
+++ b/src/middleware/containers.rs
@@ -1,8 +1,8 @@
+//! This file implements the types defined at
+//! https://0xparc.github.io/pod2/values.html#dictionary-array-set .
+
 use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
 
-/// This file implements the types defined at
-/// https://0xparc.github.io/pod2/values.html#dictionary-array-set .
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use schemars::JsonSchema;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Deserializer, Serialize};
 
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ use super::serialization::{ordered_map, ordered_set};
 use crate::backends::plonky2::primitives::merkletree::{MerkleProof, MerkleTree};
 use crate::{
     constants::MAX_DEPTH,
-    middleware::{hash_value, Hash, Key, RawValue, Value, EMPTY_VALUE},
+    middleware::{hash_value, Error, Hash, Key, RawValue, Result, Value, EMPTY_VALUE},
 };
 
 /// Dictionary: the user original keys and values are hashed to be used in the leaf.
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ impl Dictionary {
     pub fn get(&self, key: &Key) -> Result<&Value> {
         self.kvs
             .get(key)
-            .ok_or_else(|| anyhow!("key \"{}\" not found", key.name()))
+            .ok_or_else(|| Error::custom(format!("key \"{}\" not found", key.name())))
     }
     pub fn prove(&self, key: &Key) -> Result<(&Value, MerkleProof)> {
         let (_, mtp) = self.mt.prove(&RawValue(key.hash().0))?;
@@ -51,15 +51,23 @@ impl Dictionary {
         Ok((value, mtp))
     }
     pub fn prove_nonexistence(&self, key: &Key) -> Result<MerkleProof> {
-        self.mt.prove_nonexistence(&RawValue(key.hash().0))
+        Ok(self.mt.prove_nonexistence(&RawValue(key.hash().0))?)
     }
     pub fn verify(root: Hash, proof: &MerkleProof, key: &Key, value: &Value) -> Result<()> {
         let key = RawValue(key.hash().0);
-        MerkleTree::verify(MAX_DEPTH, root, proof, &key, &value.raw())
+        Ok(MerkleTree::verify(
+            MAX_DEPTH,
+            root,
+            proof,
+            &key,
+            &value.raw(),
+        )?)
     }
     pub fn verify_nonexistence(root: Hash, proof: &MerkleProof, key: &Key) -> Result<()> {
         let key = RawValue(key.hash().0);
-        MerkleTree::verify_nonexistence(MAX_DEPTH, root, proof, &key)
+        Ok(MerkleTree::verify_nonexistence(
+            MAX_DEPTH, root, proof, &key,
+        )?)
     }
     // TODO: Rename to dict to be consistent maybe?
     pub fn kvs(&self) -> &HashMap<Key, Value> {
@@ -142,15 +150,26 @@ impl Set {
     }
     pub fn prove_nonexistence(&self, value: &Value) -> Result<MerkleProof> {
         let h = hash_value(&value.raw());
-        self.mt.prove_nonexistence(&RawValue::from(h))
+        Ok(self.mt.prove_nonexistence(&RawValue::from(h))?)
     }
     pub fn verify(root: Hash, proof: &MerkleProof, value: &Value) -> Result<()> {
         let h = hash_value(&value.raw());
-        MerkleTree::verify(MAX_DEPTH, root, proof, &RawValue::from(h), &EMPTY_VALUE)
+        Ok(MerkleTree::verify(
+            MAX_DEPTH,
+            root,
+            proof,
+            &RawValue::from(h),
+            &EMPTY_VALUE,
+        )?)
     }
     pub fn verify_nonexistence(root: Hash, proof: &MerkleProof, value: &Value) -> Result<()> {
         let h = hash_value(&value.raw());
-        MerkleTree::verify_nonexistence(MAX_DEPTH, root, proof, &RawValue::from(h))
+        Ok(MerkleTree::verify_nonexistence(
+            MAX_DEPTH,
+            root,
+            proof,
+            &RawValue::from(h),
+        )?)
     }
     pub fn set(&self) -> &HashSet<Value> {
         &self.set
@@ -217,9 +236,9 @@ impl Array {
         self.mt.root()
     }
     pub fn get(&self, i: usize) -> Result<&Value> {
-        self.array
-            .get(i)
-            .ok_or_else(|| anyhow!("index {} out of bounds 0..{}", i, self.array.len()))
+        self.array.get(i).ok_or_else(|| {
+            Error::custom(format!("index {} out of bounds 0..{}", i, self.array.len()))
+        })
     }
     pub fn prove(&self, i: usize) -> Result<(&Value, MerkleProof)> {
         let (_, mtp) = self.mt.prove(&RawValue::from(i as i64))?;
@@ -227,13 +246,13 @@ impl Array {
         Ok((value, mtp))
     }
     pub fn verify(root: Hash, proof: &MerkleProof, i: usize, value: &Value) -> Result<()> {
-        MerkleTree::verify(
+        Ok(MerkleTree::verify(
             MAX_DEPTH,
             root,
             proof,
             &RawValue::from(i as i64),
             &value.raw(),
-        )
+        )?)
     }
     pub fn array(&self) -> &[Value] {
         &self.array
diff --git a/src/middleware/custom.rs b/src/middleware/custom.rs
index 4ab3d57..23891ce 100644
--- a/src/middleware/custom.rs
+++ b/src/middleware/custom.rs
@@ -1,12 +1,11 @@
 use std::{fmt, iter, sync::Arc};
 
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use plonky2::field::types::Field;
 use schemars::JsonSchema;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 
 use crate::middleware::{
-    hash_fields, Hash, Key, NativePredicate, Params, ToFields, Value, F, HASH_SIZE,
+    hash_fields, Error, Hash, Key, NativePredicate, Params, Result, ToFields, Value, F, HASH_SIZE,
 };
 
 #[derive(Clone, Debug, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize, JsonSchema)]
@@ -217,7 +216,11 @@ impl CustomPredicate {
         args_len: usize,
     ) -> Result<Self> {
         if statements.len() > params.max_custom_predicate_arity {
-            return Err(anyhow!("Custom predicate depends on too many statements"));
+            return Err(Error::max_length(
+                "statements.len".to_string(),
+                statements.len(),
+                params.max_custom_predicate_arity,
+            ));
         }
 
         Ok(Self {
@@ -394,7 +397,6 @@ impl fmt::Display for Predicate {
 mod tests {
     use std::{array, sync::Arc};
 
-    use anyhow::Result;
     use plonky2::field::goldilocks_field::GoldilocksField;
 
     use super::*;
diff --git a/src/middleware/error.rs b/src/middleware/error.rs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ef660b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/middleware/error.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+//! middleware errors
+
+use std::{backtrace::Backtrace, fmt::Debug};
+
+use crate::middleware::{Operation, Statement, StatementArg};
+
+pub type Result<T, E = Error> = core::result::Result<T, E>;
+
+#[derive(Debug, thiserror::Error)]
+pub enum MiddlewareInnerError {
+    #[error("incorrect statement args")]
+    IncorrectStatementArgs,
+    #[error("invalid deduction: {0:?} ⇏ {1:#}")]
+    InvalidDeduction(Operation, Statement),
+    #[error("statement argument {0:?} should be a {1}")]
+    InvalidStatementArg(StatementArg, String),
+    #[error("{0} {1} is over the limit {2}")]
+    MaxLength(String, usize, usize),
+    #[error("{0} amount of {1} should be {1} but it's {2}")]
+    DiffAmount(String, String, usize, usize),
+    // Other
+    #[error("{0}")]
+    Custom(String),
+}
+
+#[derive(thiserror::Error)]
+pub enum Error {
+    #[error("Inner: {inner}\n{backtrace}")]
+    Inner {
+        inner: Box<MiddlewareInnerError>,
+        backtrace: Box<Backtrace>,
+    },
+    #[error(transparent)]
+    Tree(#[from] crate::backends::plonky2::primitives::merkletree::error::TreeError),
+}
+
+impl Debug for Error {
+    fn fmt(&self, f: &mut std::fmt::Formatter<'_>) -> std::fmt::Result {
+        std::fmt::Display::fmt(self, f)
+    }
+}
+
+macro_rules! new {
+    ($inner:expr) => {
+        Error::Inner {
+            inner: Box::new($inner),
+            backtrace: Box::new(Backtrace::capture()),
+        }
+    };
+}
+use MiddlewareInnerError::*;
+impl Error {
+    pub(crate) fn incorrect_statements_args() -> Self {
+        new!(IncorrectStatementArgs)
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn invalid_deduction(op: Operation, st: Statement) -> Self {
+        new!(InvalidDeduction(op, st))
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn invalid_statement_arg(st_arg: StatementArg, v: String) -> Self {
+        new!(InvalidStatementArg(st_arg, v))
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn max_length(obj: String, found: usize, expect: usize) -> Self {
+        new!(MaxLength(obj, found, expect))
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn diff_amount(obj: String, unit: String, expect: usize, found: usize) -> Self {
+        new!(DiffAmount(obj, unit, expect, found))
+    }
+    pub(crate) fn custom(s: String) -> Self {
+        new!(Custom(s))
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/middleware/mod.rs b/src/middleware/mod.rs
index 7f8c3fe..99f5caf 100644
--- a/src/middleware/mod.rs
+++ b/src/middleware/mod.rs
@@ -8,21 +8,21 @@ use std::{
     hash,
 };
 
-use anyhow::anyhow;
 use containers::{Array, Dictionary, Set};
 use schemars::JsonSchema;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 pub mod containers;
 mod custom;
+mod error;
 mod operation;
 pub mod serialization;
 mod statement;
 use std::{any::Any, collections::HashMap, fmt};
 
-use anyhow::Result;
 pub use basetypes::*;
 pub use custom::*;
 use dyn_clone::DynClone;
+pub use error::*;
 pub use operation::*;
 use serialization::*;
 pub use statement::*;
@@ -126,22 +126,25 @@ impl From<PodType> for TypedValue {
 }
 
 impl TryFrom<&TypedValue> for i64 {
-    type Error = anyhow::Error;
+    type Error = Error;
     fn try_from(v: &TypedValue) -> std::result::Result<Self, Self::Error> {
         if let TypedValue::Int(n) = v {
             Ok(*n)
         } else {
-            Err(anyhow!("Value not an int"))
+            Err(Error::custom("Value not an int".to_string()))
         }
     }
 }
 
 impl TryFrom<TypedValue> for Key {
-    type Error = anyhow::Error;
+    type Error = Error;
     fn try_from(tv: TypedValue) -> Result<Self> {
         match tv {
             TypedValue::String(s) => Ok(Key::new(s)),
-            _ => Err(anyhow!("Value {} cannot be converted to a key.", tv)),
+            _ => Err(Error::custom(format!(
+                "Value {} cannot be converted to a key.",
+                tv
+            ))),
         }
     }
 }
@@ -367,20 +370,31 @@ impl Value {
         match &self.typed() {
             TypedValue::Array(a) => match key.typed() {
                 TypedValue::Int(i) if i >= &0 => a.prove((*i) as usize),
-                _ => Err(anyhow!("Invalid key {} for container {}.", key, self))?,
+                _ => Err(Error::custom(format!(
+                    "Invalid key {} for container {}.",
+                    key, self
+                )))?,
             },
             TypedValue::Dictionary(d) => d.prove(&key.typed().clone().try_into()?),
             TypedValue::Set(s) => Ok((key, s.prove(key)?)),
-            _ => Err(anyhow!("Invalid container value {}", self.typed())),
+            _ => Err(Error::custom(format!(
+                "Invalid container value {}",
+                self.typed()
+            ))),
         }
     }
     /// Determines Merkle non-existence proof for `key` in `self` (if applicable).
     pub(crate) fn prove_nonexistence<'a>(&'a self, key: &'a Value) -> Result<MerkleProof> {
         match &self.typed() {
-            TypedValue::Array(_) => Err(anyhow!("Arrays do not support `NotContains` operation.")),
+            TypedValue::Array(_) => Err(Error::custom(
+                "Arrays do not support `NotContains` operation.".to_string(),
+            )),
             TypedValue::Dictionary(d) => d.prove_nonexistence(&key.typed().clone().try_into()?),
             TypedValue::Set(s) => s.prove_nonexistence(key),
-            _ => Err(anyhow!("Invalid container value {}", self.typed())),
+            _ => Err(Error::custom(format!(
+                "Invalid container value {}",
+                self.typed()
+            ))),
         }
     }
 }
@@ -654,8 +668,10 @@ impl Params {
     }
 }
 
+pub type DynError = dyn std::error::Error + Send + Sync;
+
 pub trait Pod: fmt::Debug + DynClone + Any {
-    fn verify(&self) -> Result<()>;
+    fn verify(&self) -> Result<(), Box<DynError>>;
     fn id(&self) -> PodId;
     fn pub_statements(&self) -> Vec<Statement>;
     /// Extract key-values from ValueOf public statements
@@ -683,7 +699,11 @@ pub trait Pod: fmt::Debug + DynClone + Any {
 dyn_clone::clone_trait_object!(Pod);
 
 pub trait PodSigner {
-    fn sign(&mut self, params: &Params, kvs: &HashMap<Key, Value>) -> Result<Box<dyn Pod>>;
+    fn sign(
+        &mut self,
+        params: &Params,
+        kvs: &HashMap<Key, Value>,
+    ) -> Result<Box<dyn Pod>, Box<DynError>>;
 }
 
 /// This is a filler type that fulfills the Pod trait and always verifies.  It's empty.  This
@@ -692,7 +712,7 @@ pub trait PodSigner {
 pub struct NonePod {}
 
 impl Pod for NonePod {
-    fn verify(&self) -> Result<()> {
+    fn verify(&self) -> Result<(), Box<DynError>> {
         Ok(())
     }
     fn id(&self) -> PodId {
@@ -718,7 +738,11 @@ pub struct MainPodInputs<'a> {
 }
 
 pub trait PodProver {
-    fn prove(&mut self, params: &Params, inputs: MainPodInputs) -> Result<Box<dyn Pod>>;
+    fn prove(
+        &mut self,
+        params: &Params,
+        inputs: MainPodInputs,
+    ) -> Result<Box<dyn Pod>, Box<DynError>>;
 }
 
 pub trait ToFields {
diff --git a/src/middleware/operation.rs b/src/middleware/operation.rs
index df97c1b..7c1d71e 100644
--- a/src/middleware/operation.rs
+++ b/src/middleware/operation.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 use std::{fmt, iter, sync::Arc};
 
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use log::error;
 use plonky2::field::types::Field;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
@@ -8,9 +7,9 @@ use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use crate::{
     backends::plonky2::primitives::merkletree::MerkleProof,
     middleware::{
-        custom::KeyOrWildcard, AnchoredKey, CustomPredicateBatch, CustomPredicateRef,
-        NativePredicate, Params, Predicate, Statement, StatementArg, StatementTmplArg, ToFields,
-        Wildcard, WildcardValue, F, SELF,
+        custom::KeyOrWildcard, AnchoredKey, CustomPredicateBatch, CustomPredicateRef, Error,
+        NativePredicate, Params, Predicate, Result, Statement, StatementArg, StatementTmplArg,
+        ToFields, Wildcard, WildcardValue, F, SELF,
     },
 };
 
@@ -253,11 +252,10 @@ impl Operation {
                     Self::ProductOf(s1, s2, s3)
                 }
                 (NO::MaxOf, (Some(s1), Some(s2), Some(s3)), OA::None, 3) => Self::MaxOf(s1, s2, s3),
-                _ => Err(anyhow!(
+                _ => Err(Error::custom(format!(
                     "Ill-formed operation {:?} with arguments {:?}.",
-                    op_code,
-                    args
-                ))?,
+                    op_code, args
+                )))?,
             },
             OperationType::Custom(cpr) => Self::Custom(cpr, args.to_vec()),
         })
@@ -320,10 +318,9 @@ impl Operation {
             {
                 check_custom_pred(params, batch, *index, args, s_args)
             }
-            _ => Err(anyhow!(
-                "Invalid deduction: {:?} ⇏ {:#}",
-                self,
-                output_statement
+            _ => Err(Error::invalid_deduction(
+                self.clone(),
+                output_statement.clone(),
             )),
         }
     }
@@ -386,17 +383,19 @@ fn check_custom_pred(
 ) -> Result<bool> {
     let pred = &batch.predicates[index];
     if pred.statements.len() != args.len() {
-        return Err(anyhow!(
-            "Custom predicate operation needs {} statements but has {}.",
+        return Err(Error::diff_amount(
+            "custom predicate operation".to_string(),
+            "statements".to_string(),
             pred.statements.len(),
-            args.len()
+            args.len(),
         ));
     }
     if pred.args_len != s_args.len() {
-        return Err(anyhow!(
-            "Custom predicate statement needs {} args but has {}.",
+        return Err(Error::diff_amount(
+            "custom predicate statement".to_string(),
+            "args".to_string(),
             pred.args_len,
-            s_args.len()
+            s_args.len(),
         ));
     }
 
diff --git a/src/middleware/statement.rs b/src/middleware/statement.rs
index f3049e8..a542bfe 100644
--- a/src/middleware/statement.rs
+++ b/src/middleware/statement.rs
@@ -1,14 +1,13 @@
 use std::{fmt, iter};
 
-use anyhow::{anyhow, Result};
 use plonky2::field::types::Field;
 use schemars::JsonSchema;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use strum_macros::FromRepr;
 
 use crate::middleware::{
-    AnchoredKey, CustomPredicateRef, Key, Params, PodId, Predicate, RawValue, ToFields, Value, F,
-    VALUE_SIZE,
+    AnchoredKey, CustomPredicateRef, Error, Key, Params, PodId, Predicate, RawValue, Result,
+    ToFields, Value, F, VALUE_SIZE,
 };
 
 // TODO: Maybe store KEY_SIGNER and KEY_TYPE as Key with lazy_static
@@ -152,7 +151,7 @@ impl Statement {
                 {
                     Ok(Self::ValueOf(a0, v1))
                 } else {
-                    Err(anyhow!("Incorrect statement args"))
+                    Err(Error::incorrect_statements_args())
                 }
             }
             Native(NativePredicate::Equal) => {
@@ -161,7 +160,7 @@ impl Statement {
                 {
                     Ok(Self::Equal(a0, a1))
                 } else {
-                    Err(anyhow!("Incorrect statement args"))
+                    Err(Error::incorrect_statements_args())
                 }
             }
             Native(NativePredicate::NotEqual) => {
@@ -170,7 +169,7 @@ impl Statement {
                 {
                     Ok(Self::NotEqual(a0, a1))
                 } else {
-                    Err(anyhow!("Incorrect statement args"))
+                    Err(Error::incorrect_statements_args())
                 }
             }
             Native(NativePredicate::Gt) => {
@@ -179,7 +178,7 @@ impl Statement {
                 {
                     Ok(Self::Gt(a0, a1))
                 } else {
-                    Err(anyhow!("Incorrect statement args"))
+                    Err(Error::incorrect_statements_args())
                 }
             }
             Native(NativePredicate::Lt) => {
@@ -188,7 +187,7 @@ impl Statement {
                 {
                     Ok(Self::Lt(a0, a1))
                 } else {
-                    Err(anyhow!("Incorrect statement args"))
+                    Err(Error::incorrect_statements_args())
                 }
             }
             Native(NativePredicate::Contains) => {
@@ -197,7 +196,7 @@ impl Statement {
                 {
                     Ok(Self::Contains(a0, a1, a2))
                 } else {
-                    Err(anyhow!("Incorrect statement args"))
+                    Err(Error::incorrect_statements_args())
                 }
             }
             Native(NativePredicate::NotContains) => {
@@ -206,7 +205,7 @@ impl Statement {
                 {
                     Ok(Self::NotContains(a0, a1))
                 } else {
-                    Err(anyhow!("Incorrect statement args"))
+                    Err(Error::incorrect_statements_args())
                 }
             }
             Native(NativePredicate::SumOf) => {
@@ -215,7 +214,7 @@ impl Statement {
                 {
                     Ok(Self::SumOf(a0, a1, a2))
                 } else {
-                    Err(anyhow!("Incorrect statement args"))
+                    Err(Error::incorrect_statements_args())
                 }
             }
             Native(NativePredicate::ProductOf) => {
@@ -224,7 +223,7 @@ impl Statement {
                 {
                     Ok(Self::ProductOf(a0, a1, a2))
                 } else {
-                    Err(anyhow!("Incorrect statement args"))
+                    Err(Error::incorrect_statements_args())
                 }
             }
             Native(NativePredicate::MaxOf) => {
@@ -233,17 +232,17 @@ impl Statement {
                 {
                     Ok(Self::MaxOf(a0, a1, a2))
                 } else {
-                    Err(anyhow!("Incorrect statement args"))
+                    Err(Error::incorrect_statements_args())
                 }
             }
-            Native(np) => Err(anyhow!("Predicate {:?} is syntax sugar", np)),
+            Native(np) => Err(Error::custom(format!("Predicate {:?} is syntax sugar", np))),
             BatchSelf(_) => unreachable!(),
             Custom(cpr) => {
                 let v_args: Result<Vec<WildcardValue>> = args
                     .iter()
                     .map(|x| match x {
                         StatementArg::WildcardLiteral(v) => Ok(v.clone()),
-                        _ => Err(anyhow!("Incorrect statement args")),
+                        _ => Err(Error::incorrect_statements_args()),
                     })
                     .collect();
                 Ok(Self::Custom(cpr, v_args?))
@@ -302,13 +301,19 @@ impl StatementArg {
     pub fn literal(&self) -> Result<Value> {
         match self {
             Self::Literal(value) => Ok(value.clone()),
-            _ => Err(anyhow!("Statement argument {:?} is not a literal.", self)),
+            _ => Err(Error::invalid_statement_arg(
+                self.clone(),
+                "literal".to_string(),
+            )),
         }
     }
     pub fn key(&self) -> Result<AnchoredKey> {
         match self {
             Self::Key(ak) => Ok(ak.clone()),
-            _ => Err(anyhow!("Statement argument {:?} is not a key.", self)),
+            _ => Err(Error::invalid_statement_arg(
+                self.clone(),
+                "key".to_string(),
+            )),
         }
     }
 }