"If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death."

-- Hammurabi's Code, Babylon 1755–1750 BC

Modern construction law isn't as brutal, still liabilities will be questioned if corners were cut, and brought to court.

In many cases, programming is still at the level of driving chariots with steam engines.