diff --git a/cbor/decode.go b/cbor/decode.go
index a41f54cc..4e31b91d 100644
--- a/cbor/decode.go
+++ b/cbor/decode.go
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ package cbor
 
 import (
 	"bytes"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"math"
 	"reflect"
@@ -53,7 +54,7 @@ func DecodeIdFromList(cborData []byte) (int, error) {
 		return 0, err
 	}
 	if listLen == 0 {
-		return 0, fmt.Errorf("cannot return first item from empty list")
+		return 0, errors.New("cannot return first item from empty list")
 	}
 	if listLen < int(CborMaxUintSimple) {
 		if cborData[1] <= CborMaxUintSimple {
@@ -70,7 +71,7 @@ func DecodeIdFromList(cborData []byte) (int, error) {
 	// The upstream CBOR library uses uint64 by default for numeric values
 	case uint64:
 		if v > uint64(math.MaxInt) {
-			return 0, fmt.Errorf("decoded numeric value too large: uint64 > int")
+			return 0, errors.New("decoded numeric value too large: uint64 > int")
 		}
 		return int(v), nil
 	default:
@@ -133,7 +134,7 @@ func DecodeGeneric(cborData []byte, dest interface{}) error {
 		// destination object
 		if valueDest.Kind() != reflect.Pointer ||
 			valueDest.Elem().Kind() != reflect.Struct {
-			return fmt.Errorf("destination must be a pointer to a struct")
+			return errors.New("destination must be a pointer to a struct")
 		}
 		destTypeFields := []reflect.StructField{}
 		for i := 0; i < typeDest.NumField(); i++ {
diff --git a/cbor/encode.go b/cbor/encode.go
index 74484f96..a664c996 100644
--- a/cbor/encode.go
+++ b/cbor/encode.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ package cbor
 
 import (
 	"bytes"
-	"fmt"
+	"errors"
 	"reflect"
 	"sync"
 
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ func EncodeGeneric(src interface{}) ([]byte, error) {
 		// source object
 		if valueSrc.Kind() != reflect.Pointer ||
 			valueSrc.Elem().Kind() != reflect.Struct {
-			return nil, fmt.Errorf("source must be a pointer to a struct")
+			return nil, errors.New("source must be a pointer to a struct")
 		}
 		srcTypeFields := []reflect.StructField{}
 		for i := 0; i < typeSrc.NumField(); i++ {
diff --git a/cbor/tags.go b/cbor/tags.go
index 02e9310e..6d4cca59 100644
--- a/cbor/tags.go
+++ b/cbor/tags.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package cbor
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"math/big"
 	"reflect"
@@ -132,7 +133,7 @@ func (r *Rat) MarshalCBOR() ([]byte, error) {
 	} else if r.Num().IsInt64() {
 		tmpContent[0] = r.Num().Int64()
 	} else {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("numerator cannot be represented at int64/uint64")
+		return nil, errors.New("numerator cannot be represented at int64/uint64")
 	}
 	// Denominator
 	if r.Denom().IsUint64() {
@@ -140,7 +141,7 @@ func (r *Rat) MarshalCBOR() ([]byte, error) {
 	} else if r.Denom().IsInt64() {
 		tmpContent[1] = r.Denom().Int64()
 	} else {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("numerator cannot be represented at int64/uint64")
+		return nil, errors.New("numerator cannot be represented at int64/uint64")
 	}
 	tmpData := _cbor.Tag{
 		Number:  CborTagRational,
diff --git a/cmd/gouroboros/chainsync.go b/cmd/gouroboros/chainsync.go
index 33f91153..6e6b8236 100644
--- a/cmd/gouroboros/chainsync.go
+++ b/cmd/gouroboros/chainsync.go
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ package main
 
 import (
 	"encoding/hex"
+	"errors"
 	"flag"
 	"fmt"
 	"os"
@@ -266,7 +267,7 @@ func chainSyncRollForwardHandler(
 		blockHash, _ := hex.DecodeString(v.Hash())
 		var err error
 		if oConn == nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("empty ouroboros connection, aborting!")
+			return errors.New("empty ouroboros connection, aborting!")
 		}
 		block, err = oConn.BlockFetch().Client.GetBlock(common.NewPoint(blockSlot, blockHash))
 		if err != nil {
@@ -293,7 +294,7 @@ func chainSyncRollForwardHandler(
 		)
 	default:
 		if block == nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf("block is nil")
+			return errors.New("block is nil")
 		}
 		fmt.Printf(
 			"era = %s, slot = %d, block_no = %d, id = %s\n",
diff --git a/cmd/gouroboros/server.go b/cmd/gouroboros/server.go
index 901465b9..93f82ccc 100644
--- a/cmd/gouroboros/server.go
+++ b/cmd/gouroboros/server.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2023 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package main
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"flag"
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
@@ -55,7 +56,7 @@ func createListenerSocket(f *globalFlags) (net.Listener, error) {
 			return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to open listening socket: %w", err)
 		}
 	default:
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("no listening address or socket specified")
+		return nil, errors.New("no listening address or socket specified")
 	}
 
 	return listen, nil
diff --git a/connection.go b/connection.go
index ca5314ce..e73cc709 100644
--- a/connection.go
+++ b/connection.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ func (c *Connection) DialTimeout(
 	timeout time.Duration,
 ) error {
 	if c.conn != nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("a connection was already established")
+		return errors.New("a connection was already established")
 	}
 	conn, err := net.DialTimeout(proto, address, timeout)
 	if err != nil {
diff --git a/ledger/allegra/rules.go b/ledger/allegra/rules.go
index 5af2b6bf..a53000d2 100644
--- a/ledger/allegra/rules.go
+++ b/ledger/allegra/rules.go
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 package allegra
 
 import (
-	"fmt"
+	"errors"
 
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/ledger/common"
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/ledger/shelley"
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ func UtxoValidateFeeTooSmallUtxo(
 ) error {
 	tmpPparams, ok := pp.(*AllegraProtocolParameters)
 	if !ok {
-		return fmt.Errorf("pparams are not expected type")
+		return errors.New("pparams are not expected type")
 	}
 	return shelley.UtxoValidateFeeTooSmallUtxo(
 		tx,
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ func UtxoValidateValueNotConservedUtxo(
 ) error {
 	tmpPparams, ok := pp.(*AllegraProtocolParameters)
 	if !ok {
-		return fmt.Errorf("pparams are not expected type")
+		return errors.New("pparams are not expected type")
 	}
 	return shelley.UtxoValidateValueNotConservedUtxo(
 		tx,
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ func UtxoValidateOutputTooSmallUtxo(
 ) error {
 	tmpPparams, ok := pp.(*AllegraProtocolParameters)
 	if !ok {
-		return fmt.Errorf("pparams are not expected type")
+		return errors.New("pparams are not expected type")
 	}
 	return shelley.UtxoValidateOutputTooSmallUtxo(
 		tx,
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ func UtxoValidateMaxTxSizeUtxo(
 ) error {
 	tmpPparams, ok := pp.(*AllegraProtocolParameters)
 	if !ok {
-		return fmt.Errorf("pparams are not expected type")
+		return errors.New("pparams are not expected type")
 	}
 	return shelley.UtxoValidateMaxTxSizeUtxo(
 		tx,
diff --git a/ledger/babbage/babbage.go b/ledger/babbage/babbage.go
index 7cf62c38..90d00d6b 100644
--- a/ledger/babbage/babbage.go
+++ b/ledger/babbage/babbage.go
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ package babbage
 import (
 	"encoding/hex"
 	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/cbor"
@@ -355,7 +356,7 @@ func (d *BabbageTransactionOutputDatumOption) MarshalCBOR() ([]byte, error) {
 	} else if d.data != nil {
 		tmpObj = []interface{}{DatumOptionTypeData, cbor.Tag{Number: 24, Content: d.data.Cbor()}}
 	} else {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("unknown datum option type")
+		return nil, errors.New("unknown datum option type")
 	}
 	return cbor.Encode(&tmpObj)
 }
diff --git a/ledger/block.go b/ledger/block.go
index 3c80fa26..0bee4623 100644
--- a/ledger/block.go
+++ b/ledger/block.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package ledger
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/ledger/common"
@@ -86,5 +87,5 @@ func DetermineBlockType(data []byte) (uint, error) {
 	if _, err := NewConwayBlockFromCbor(data); err == nil {
 		return BlockTypeConway, nil
 	}
-	return 0, fmt.Errorf("unknown block type")
+	return 0, errors.New("unknown block type")
 }
diff --git a/ledger/byron/byron.go b/ledger/byron/byron.go
index 77ca9177..00562fa2 100644
--- a/ledger/byron/byron.go
+++ b/ledger/byron/byron.go
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ package byron
 
 import (
 	"encoding/hex"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"math"
 
@@ -342,7 +343,7 @@ func (i *ByronTransactionInput) UnmarshalCBOR(data []byte) error {
 		}
 	default:
 		// [u8 .ne 0, encoded-cbor]
-		return fmt.Errorf("can't parse yet")
+		return errors.New("can't parse yet")
 	}
 	return nil
 }
diff --git a/ledger/common/address.go b/ledger/common/address.go
index 9967d64a..f7ac3adc 100644
--- a/ledger/common/address.go
+++ b/ledger/common/address.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package common
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"hash/crc32"
 	"strings"
@@ -182,24 +183,18 @@ func (a *Address) populateFromBytes(data []byte) error {
 		}
 		payloadBytes, ok := rawAddr.Payload.Content.([]byte)
 		if !ok || rawAddr.Payload.Number != 24 {
-			return fmt.Errorf(
-				"invalid Byron address data: unexpected payload content",
-			)
+			return errors.New("invalid Byron address data: unexpected payload content")
 		}
 		payloadChecksum := crc32.ChecksumIEEE(payloadBytes)
 		if rawAddr.Checksum != payloadChecksum {
-			return fmt.Errorf(
-				"invalid Byron address data: checksum does not match",
-			)
+			return errors.New("invalid Byron address data: checksum does not match")
 		}
 		var byronAddr byronAddressPayload
 		if _, err := cbor.Decode(payloadBytes, &byronAddr); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 		if len(byronAddr.Hash) != AddressHashSize {
-			return fmt.Errorf(
-				"invalid Byron address data: hash is not expected length",
-			)
+			return errors.New("invalid Byron address data: hash is not expected length")
 		}
 		a.byronAddressType = byronAddr.AddrType
 		a.byronAddressAttr = byronAddr.Attr
diff --git a/ledger/common/certs.go b/ledger/common/certs.go
index fb99a9c7..6bdacc1e 100644
--- a/ledger/common/certs.go
+++ b/ledger/common/certs.go
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package common
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"net"
 
@@ -461,7 +462,7 @@ func (r *MoveInstantaneousRewardsCertificateReward) UnmarshalCBOR(
 		r.Source = tmpMapData.Source
 		return nil
 	}
-	return fmt.Errorf("failed to decode as known types")
+	return errors.New("failed to decode as known types")
 }
 
 type MoveInstantaneousRewardsCertificate struct {
diff --git a/ledger/common/nonce.go b/ledger/common/nonce.go
index 481c65e8..453375b6 100644
--- a/ledger/common/nonce.go
+++ b/ledger/common/nonce.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ package common
 
 import (
 	"encoding/json"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"slices"
 
@@ -60,7 +61,7 @@ func (n *Nonce) UnmarshalJSON(data []byte) error {
 	}
 	tag, ok := tmpData["tag"]
 	if !ok {
-		return fmt.Errorf("did not find expected key 'tag' for nonce")
+		return errors.New("did not find expected key 'tag' for nonce")
 	}
 	switch tag {
 	case "NeutralNonce":
diff --git a/ledger/error.go b/ledger/error.go
index 3677550e..640bc95c 100644
--- a/ledger/error.go
+++ b/ledger/error.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2023 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package ledger
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/cbor"
@@ -115,7 +116,7 @@ func NewTxSubmitErrorFromCbor(cborData []byte) (error, error) {
 			return newErr, nil
 		}
 	}
-	return nil, fmt.Errorf("failed to parse error as any known types")
+	return nil, errors.New("failed to parse error as any known types")
 }
 
 func NewShelleyTxValidationErrorFromCbor(cborData []byte) (error, error) {
@@ -199,10 +200,10 @@ func (e *ApplyTxError) Error() string {
 	for idx, failure := range e.Failures {
 		ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s%s", ret, failure)
 		if idx < (len(e.Failures) - 1) {
-			ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s, ", ret)
+			ret = ret + ", "
 		}
 	}
-	ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s])", ret)
+	ret = ret + "])"
 	return ret
 }
 
@@ -314,10 +315,10 @@ func (e *BadInputsUtxo) Error() string {
 	for idx, input := range e.Inputs {
 		ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s%s", ret, input.String())
 		if idx < (len(e.Inputs) - 1) {
-			ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s, ", ret)
+			ret = ret + ", "
 		}
 	}
-	ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s])", ret)
+	ret = ret + "])"
 	return ret
 }
 
@@ -407,10 +408,10 @@ func (e *OutputTooSmallUtxo) Error() string {
 	for idx, output := range e.Outputs {
 		ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s%s", ret, output.String())
 		if idx < (len(e.Outputs) - 1) {
-			ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s, ", ret)
+			ret = ret + ", "
 		}
 	}
-	ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s])", ret)
+	ret = ret + "])"
 	return ret
 }
 
@@ -469,10 +470,10 @@ func (e *OutputBootAddrAttrsTooBig) Error() string {
 	for idx, output := range e.Outputs {
 		ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s%s", ret, output.String())
 		if idx < (len(e.Outputs) - 1) {
-			ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s, ", ret)
+			ret = ret + ", "
 		}
 	}
-	ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s])", ret)
+	ret = ret + "])"
 	return ret
 }
 
@@ -504,10 +505,10 @@ func (e *OutputTooBigUtxo) Error() string {
 			output.Output.String(),
 		)
 		if idx < (len(e.Outputs) - 1) {
-			ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s, ", ret)
+			ret = ret + ", "
 		}
 	}
-	ret = fmt.Sprintf("%s])", ret)
+	ret = ret + "])"
 	return ret
 
 }
diff --git a/ledger/mary/errors.go b/ledger/mary/errors.go
index aaca09f0..e25554a1 100644
--- a/ledger/mary/errors.go
+++ b/ledger/mary/errors.go
@@ -30,8 +30,5 @@ func (e OutputTooBigUtxoError) Error() string {
 	for idx, tmpOutput := range e.Outputs {
 		tmpOutputs[idx] = fmt.Sprintf("%#v", tmpOutput)
 	}
-	return fmt.Sprintf(
-		"output value too large: %s",
-		strings.Join(tmpOutputs, ", "),
-	)
+	return "output value too large: " + strings.Join(tmpOutputs, ", ")
 }
diff --git a/ledger/mary/rules.go b/ledger/mary/rules.go
index 8635cdbc..7a79800e 100644
--- a/ledger/mary/rules.go
+++ b/ledger/mary/rules.go
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 package mary
 
 import (
-	"fmt"
+	"errors"
 
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/cbor"
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/ledger/allegra"
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ func UtxoValidateOutputTooBigUtxo(
 	for _, txOutput := range tx.Outputs() {
 		tmpOutput, ok := txOutput.(*MaryTransactionOutput)
 		if !ok {
-			return fmt.Errorf("transaction output is not expected type")
+			return errors.New("transaction output is not expected type")
 		}
 		outputValBytes, err := cbor.Encode(tmpOutput.OutputAmount)
 		if err != nil {
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ func UtxoValidateFeeTooSmallUtxo(
 ) error {
 	tmpPparams, ok := pp.(*MaryProtocolParameters)
 	if !ok {
-		return fmt.Errorf("pparams are not expected type")
+		return errors.New("pparams are not expected type")
 	}
 	return shelley.UtxoValidateFeeTooSmallUtxo(
 		tx,
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ func UtxoValidateValueNotConservedUtxo(
 ) error {
 	tmpPparams, ok := pp.(*MaryProtocolParameters)
 	if !ok {
-		return fmt.Errorf("pparams are not expected type")
+		return errors.New("pparams are not expected type")
 	}
 	return shelley.UtxoValidateValueNotConservedUtxo(
 		tx,
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ func UtxoValidateOutputTooSmallUtxo(
 ) error {
 	tmpPparams, ok := pp.(*MaryProtocolParameters)
 	if !ok {
-		return fmt.Errorf("pparams are not expected type")
+		return errors.New("pparams are not expected type")
 	}
 	return shelley.UtxoValidateOutputTooSmallUtxo(
 		tx,
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ func UtxoValidateMaxTxSizeUtxo(
 ) error {
 	tmpPparams, ok := pp.(*MaryProtocolParameters)
 	if !ok {
-		return fmt.Errorf("pparams are not expected type")
+		return errors.New("pparams are not expected type")
 	}
 	return shelley.UtxoValidateMaxTxSizeUtxo(
 		tx,
diff --git a/ledger/shelley/errors.go b/ledger/shelley/errors.go
index a21457c6..0e69c6f7 100644
--- a/ledger/shelley/errors.go
+++ b/ledger/shelley/errors.go
@@ -62,10 +62,7 @@ func (e BadInputsUtxoError) Error() string {
 	for idx, tmpInput := range e.Inputs {
 		tmpInputs[idx] = tmpInput.String()
 	}
-	return fmt.Sprintf(
-		"bad input(s): %s",
-		strings.Join(tmpInputs, ", "),
-	)
+	return "bad input(s): " + strings.Join(tmpInputs, ", ")
 }
 
 type WrongNetworkError struct {
@@ -78,10 +75,7 @@ func (e WrongNetworkError) Error() string {
 	for idx, tmpAddr := range e.Addrs {
 		tmpAddrs[idx] = tmpAddr.String()
 	}
-	return fmt.Sprintf(
-		"wrong network: %s",
-		strings.Join(tmpAddrs, ", "),
-	)
+	return "wrong network: " + strings.Join(tmpAddrs, ", ")
 }
 
 type WrongNetworkWithdrawalError struct {
@@ -94,10 +88,7 @@ func (e WrongNetworkWithdrawalError) Error() string {
 	for idx, tmpAddr := range e.Addrs {
 		tmpAddrs[idx] = tmpAddr.String()
 	}
-	return fmt.Sprintf(
-		"wrong network withdrawals: %s",
-		strings.Join(tmpAddrs, ", "),
-	)
+	return "wrong network withdrawals: " + strings.Join(tmpAddrs, ", ")
 }
 
 type ValueNotConservedUtxoError struct {
@@ -122,10 +113,7 @@ func (e OutputTooSmallUtxoError) Error() string {
 	for idx, tmpOutput := range e.Outputs {
 		tmpOutputs[idx] = fmt.Sprintf("%#v", tmpOutput)
 	}
-	return fmt.Sprintf(
-		"output too small: %s",
-		strings.Join(tmpOutputs, ", "),
-	)
+	return "output too small: " + strings.Join(tmpOutputs, ", ")
 }
 
 type OutputBootAddrAttrsTooBigError struct {
@@ -137,10 +125,7 @@ func (e OutputBootAddrAttrsTooBigError) Error() string {
 	for idx, tmpOutput := range e.Outputs {
 		tmpOutputs[idx] = fmt.Sprintf("%#v", tmpOutput)
 	}
-	return fmt.Sprintf(
-		"output bootstrap address attributes too big: %s",
-		strings.Join(tmpOutputs, ", "),
-	)
+	return "output bootstrap address attributes too big: " + strings.Join(tmpOutputs, ", ")
 }
 
 type MaxTxSizeUtxoError struct {
diff --git a/ledger/shelley/rules.go b/ledger/shelley/rules.go
index 17621c72..ef924eb3 100644
--- a/ledger/shelley/rules.go
+++ b/ledger/shelley/rules.go
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 package shelley
 
 import (
-	"fmt"
+	"errors"
 
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/cbor"
 	common "github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/ledger/common"
@@ -257,7 +257,7 @@ func UtxoValidateMaxTxSizeUtxo(
 ) error {
 	tmpPparams, ok := pp.(*ShelleyProtocolParameters)
 	if !ok {
-		return fmt.Errorf("pparams are not expected type")
+		return errors.New("pparams are not expected type")
 	}
 	txBytes, err := cbor.Encode(tx)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -279,7 +279,7 @@ func MinFeeTx(
 ) (uint64, error) {
 	tmpPparams, ok := pparams.(*ShelleyProtocolParameters)
 	if !ok {
-		return 0, fmt.Errorf("pparams are not expected type")
+		return 0, errors.New("pparams are not expected type")
 	}
 	txBytes := tx.Cbor()
 	minFee := uint64(
@@ -295,7 +295,7 @@ func MinCoinTxOut(
 ) (uint64, error) {
 	tmpPparams, ok := pparams.(*ShelleyProtocolParameters)
 	if !ok {
-		return 0, fmt.Errorf("pparams are not expected type")
+		return 0, errors.New("pparams are not expected type")
 	}
 	minCoinTxOut := uint64(tmpPparams.MinUtxoValue)
 	return minCoinTxOut, nil
diff --git a/ledger/shelley/shelley.go b/ledger/shelley/shelley.go
index 8a923700..e15da7b7 100644
--- a/ledger/shelley/shelley.go
+++ b/ledger/shelley/shelley.go
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ package shelley
 
 import (
 	"encoding/hex"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"math"
 
@@ -377,7 +378,7 @@ func (s *ShelleyTransactionInputSet) UnmarshalCBOR(data []byte) error {
 	// This is needed to prevent Conway+ TXs from being decoded as an earlier type
 	var tmpTag cbor.RawTag
 	if _, err := cbor.Decode(data, &tmpTag); err == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf("did not expect CBOR tag")
+		return errors.New("did not expect CBOR tag")
 	}
 	var tmpData []ShelleyTransactionInput
 	if _, err := cbor.Decode(data, &tmpData); err != nil {
diff --git a/ledger/tx.go b/ledger/tx.go
index a9f77c8a..c39c94a8 100644
--- a/ledger/tx.go
+++ b/ledger/tx.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2023 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package ledger
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/ledger/common"
@@ -53,7 +54,7 @@ func NewTransactionBodyFromCbor(
 ) (TransactionBody, error) {
 	switch txType {
 	case TxTypeByron:
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("Byron transactions do not contain a body")
+		return nil, errors.New("Byron transactions do not contain a body")
 	case TxTypeShelley:
 		return NewShelleyTransactionBodyFromCbor(data)
 	case TxTypeAllegra:
@@ -86,7 +87,7 @@ func NewTransactionOutputFromCbor(data []byte) (TransactionOutput, error) {
 	if txOut, err := NewBabbageTransactionOutputFromCbor(data); err == nil {
 		return txOut, nil
 	}
-	return nil, fmt.Errorf("unknown transaction output type")
+	return nil, errors.New("unknown transaction output type")
 }
 
 func DetermineTransactionType(data []byte) (uint, error) {
@@ -115,5 +116,5 @@ func DetermineTransactionType(data []byte) (uint, error) {
 	if _, err := NewConwayTransactionFromCbor(data); err == nil {
 		return TxTypeConway, nil
 	}
-	return 0, fmt.Errorf("unknown transaction type")
+	return 0, errors.New("unknown transaction type")
 }
diff --git a/ledger/verify_block.go b/ledger/verify_block.go
index 25d9978d..c5d349be 100644
--- a/ledger/verify_block.go
+++ b/ledger/verify_block.go
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ package ledger
 import (
 	"bytes"
 	"encoding/hex"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/cbor"
@@ -53,9 +54,7 @@ func VerifyBlock(block BlockHexCbor) (error, bool, string, uint64, uint64) {
 		), false, "", 0, 0
 	}
 	if header == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"VerifyBlock: header returned empty",
-		), false, "", 0, 0
+		return errors.New("VerifyBlock: header returned empty"), false, "", 0, 0
 	}
 	isKesValid, errKes := VerifyKes(header, slotPerKesPeriod)
 	if errKes != nil {
diff --git a/ledger/verify_vrf.go b/ledger/verify_vrf.go
index 2a77748a..2f4dea50 100644
--- a/ledger/verify_vrf.go
+++ b/ledger/verify_vrf.go
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ import (
 	"crypto/sha512"
 	"crypto/subtle"
 	"encoding/binary"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 
 	"filippo.io/edwards25519"
@@ -67,7 +68,7 @@ func VrfVerifyAndHash(
 		Equal(edwards25519.NewIdentityPoint()) ==
 		1
 	if isSmallOrder {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("public key is a small order point")
+		return nil, errors.New("public key is a small order point")
 	}
 	// vrf_verify
 	ok, err := vrfVerify(Y, proof, msg)
@@ -75,7 +76,7 @@ func VrfVerifyAndHash(
 		return nil, err
 	}
 	if !ok {
-		return nil, fmt.Errorf("issue verifying proof")
+		return nil, errors.New("issue verifying proof")
 	}
 	// proof to hash
 	return cryptoVrfIetfdraft03ProofToHash(proof)
@@ -178,7 +179,7 @@ func vrfIetfdraft03DecodeProof(
 	pi []byte,
 ) (gamma *edwards25519.Point, c []byte, s []byte, err error) {
 	if len(pi) != 80 {
-		return nil, nil, nil, fmt.Errorf("unexpected length of pi (must be 80)")
+		return nil, nil, nil, errors.New("unexpected length of pi (must be 80)")
 	}
 	/* gamma = decode_point(pi[0:32]) */
 	gamma = &edwards25519.Point{}
diff --git a/muxer/muxer.go b/muxer/muxer.go
index 31382361..e3d03055 100644
--- a/muxer/muxer.go
+++ b/muxer/muxer.go
@@ -218,7 +218,7 @@ func (m *Muxer) Send(msg *Segment) error {
 	// Immediately return if we're already shutting down
 	select {
 	case <-m.doneChan:
-		return fmt.Errorf("shutting down")
+		return errors.New("shutting down")
 	default:
 	}
 	// We use a mutex to make sure only one protocol can send at a time
@@ -286,18 +286,14 @@ func (m *Muxer) readLoop() {
 		// Check for message from initiator when we're not configured as a responder
 		if m.diffusionMode == DiffusionModeInitiator && !msg.IsResponse() {
 			m.sendError(
-				fmt.Errorf(
-					"received message from initiator when not configured as a responder",
-				),
+				errors.New("received message from initiator when not configured as a responder"),
 			)
 			return
 		}
 		// Check for message from responder when we're not configured as an initiator
 		if m.diffusionMode == DiffusionModeResponder && msg.IsResponse() {
 			m.sendError(
-				fmt.Errorf(
-					"received message from responder when not configured as an initiator",
-				),
+				errors.New("received message from responder when not configured as an initiator"),
 			)
 			return
 		}
diff --git a/protocol/blockfetch/client.go b/protocol/blockfetch/client.go
index b3d2949f..23b1cb0e 100644
--- a/protocol/blockfetch/client.go
+++ b/protocol/blockfetch/client.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package blockfetch
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"sync"
 
@@ -235,7 +236,7 @@ func (c *Client) handleNoBlocks() error {
 		return protocol.ProtocolShuttingDownError
 	default:
 	}
-	err := fmt.Errorf("block(s) not found")
+	err := errors.New("block(s) not found")
 	c.startBatchResultChan <- err
 	return nil
 }
@@ -282,9 +283,7 @@ func (c *Client) handleBlock(msgGeneric protocol.Message) error {
 				return err
 			}
 		} else {
-			return fmt.Errorf(
-				"received block-fetch Block message but no callback function is defined",
-			)
+			return errors.New("received block-fetch Block message but no callback function is defined")
 		}
 	} else {
 		c.blockChan <- block
diff --git a/protocol/blockfetch/server.go b/protocol/blockfetch/server.go
index bd7d2f67..9f63023b 100644
--- a/protocol/blockfetch/server.go
+++ b/protocol/blockfetch/server.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package blockfetch
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/cbor"
@@ -142,9 +143,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleRequestRange(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if s.config == nil || s.config.RequestRangeFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received block-fetch RequestRange message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received block-fetch RequestRange message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	msgRequestRange := msg.(*MsgRequestRange)
 	return s.config.RequestRangeFunc(
diff --git a/protocol/chainsync/client.go b/protocol/chainsync/client.go
index 3e474564..cb8f2b61 100644
--- a/protocol/chainsync/client.go
+++ b/protocol/chainsync/client.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ package chainsync
 
 import (
 	"encoding/hex"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"sync"
 	"sync/atomic"
@@ -606,9 +607,7 @@ func (c *Client) handleRollForward(msgGeneric protocol.Message) error {
 	}()
 	if firstBlockChan == nil &&
 		(c.config == nil || (c.config.RollForwardFunc == nil && c.config.RollForwardRawFunc == nil)) {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received chain-sync RollForward message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received chain-sync RollForward message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	var callbackErr error
 	if c.Mode() == protocol.ProtocolModeNodeToNode {
@@ -645,7 +644,7 @@ func (c *Client) handleRollForward(msgGeneric protocol.Message) error {
 		}
 		if firstBlockChan != nil {
 			if blockHeader == nil {
-				err := fmt.Errorf("missing block header")
+				err := errors.New("missing block header")
 				firstBlockChan <- clientPointResult{error: err}
 				return err
 			}
@@ -692,7 +691,7 @@ func (c *Client) handleRollForward(msgGeneric protocol.Message) error {
 		}
 		if firstBlockChan != nil {
 			if block == nil {
-				err := fmt.Errorf("missing block")
+				err := errors.New("missing block")
 				firstBlockChan <- clientPointResult{error: err}
 				return err
 			}
@@ -748,9 +747,7 @@ func (c *Client) handleRollBackward(msg protocol.Message) error {
 	c.sendCurrentTip(msgRollBackward.Tip)
 	if len(c.wantFirstBlockChan) == 0 {
 		if c.config.RollBackwardFunc == nil {
-			return fmt.Errorf(
-				"received chain-sync RollBackward message but no callback function is defined",
-			)
+			return errors.New("received chain-sync RollBackward message but no callback function is defined")
 		}
 		// Call the user callback function
 		if callbackErr := c.config.RollBackwardFunc(c.callbackContext, msgRollBackward.Point, msgRollBackward.Tip); callbackErr != nil {
diff --git a/protocol/chainsync/server.go b/protocol/chainsync/server.go
index 311a81a0..4a9dfe0d 100644
--- a/protocol/chainsync/server.go
+++ b/protocol/chainsync/server.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package chainsync
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/ledger"
@@ -144,7 +145,7 @@ func (s *Server) RollForward(blockType uint, blockData []byte, tip Tip) error {
 					"role", "server",
 					"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 				)
-			return fmt.Errorf("failed to create roll forward message")
+			return errors.New("failed to create roll forward message")
 		}
 		return s.SendMessage(msg)
 	}
@@ -180,9 +181,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleRequestNext() error {
 	//		"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 	//	)
 	if s.config == nil || s.config.RequestNextFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received chain-sync RequestNext message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received chain-sync RequestNext message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	return s.config.RequestNextFunc(s.callbackContext)
 }
@@ -196,9 +195,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleFindIntersect(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if s.config == nil || s.config.FindIntersectFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received chain-sync FindIntersect message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received chain-sync FindIntersect message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	msgFindIntersect := msg.(*MsgFindIntersect)
 	point, tip, err := s.config.FindIntersectFunc(
diff --git a/protocol/error.go b/protocol/error.go
index 97387544..08a0606e 100644
--- a/protocol/error.go
+++ b/protocol/error.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2023 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -14,8 +14,6 @@
 
 package protocol
 
-import (
-	"fmt"
-)
+import "errors"
 
-var ProtocolShuttingDownError = fmt.Errorf("protocol is shutting down")
+var ProtocolShuttingDownError = errors.New("protocol is shutting down")
diff --git a/protocol/handshake/client.go b/protocol/handshake/client.go
index 77c5487b..61f8c75d 100644
--- a/protocol/handshake/client.go
+++ b/protocol/handshake/client.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package handshake
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"sync"
 
@@ -108,9 +109,7 @@ func (c *Client) handleAcceptVersion(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			"connection_id", c.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if c.config.FinishedFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received handshake AcceptVersion message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received handshake AcceptVersion message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	msgAcceptVersion := msg.(*MsgAcceptVersion)
 	protoVersion := protocol.GetProtocolVersion(msgAcceptVersion.Version)
diff --git a/protocol/handshake/server.go b/protocol/handshake/server.go
index 648500f8..0c02373f 100644
--- a/protocol/handshake/server.go
+++ b/protocol/handshake/server.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package handshake
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"sort"
 
@@ -84,9 +85,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleProposeVersions(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if s.config.FinishedFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received handshake ProposeVersions message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received handshake ProposeVersions message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	msgProposeVersions := msg.(*MsgProposeVersions)
 	// Compute intersection of supported and proposed protocol versions
@@ -117,7 +116,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleProposeVersions(msg protocol.Message) error {
 		if err := s.SendMessage(msgRefuse); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		return fmt.Errorf("handshake failed: refused due to version mismatch")
+		return errors.New("handshake failed: refused due to version mismatch")
 	}
 	// Compute highest version from intersection
 	var proposedVersion uint16
@@ -134,17 +133,13 @@ func (s *Server) handleProposeVersions(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			[]any{
 				RefuseReasonDecodeError,
 				proposedVersion,
-				fmt.Errorf(
-					"handshake failed: refused due to empty version data",
-				),
+				errors.New("handshake failed: refused due to empty version data"),
 			},
 		)
 		if err := s.SendMessage(msgRefuse); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"handshake failed: refused due to empty version data",
-		)
+		return errors.New("handshake failed: refused due to empty version data")
 	}
 	proposedVersionData, err := versionInfo.NewVersionDataFromCborFunc(
 		msgProposeVersions.VersionMap[proposedVersion],
@@ -170,17 +165,13 @@ func (s *Server) handleProposeVersions(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			[]any{
 				RefuseReasonDecodeError,
 				proposedVersion,
-				fmt.Errorf(
-					"handshake failed: refused due to empty version map",
-				),
+				errors.New("handshake failed: refused due to empty version map"),
 			},
 		)
 		if err := s.SendMessage(msgRefuse); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"handshake failed: refused due to empty version map",
-		)
+		return errors.New("handshake failed: refused due to empty version map")
 	}
 
 	// Check network magic
diff --git a/protocol/localstatequery/client.go b/protocol/localstatequery/client.go
index 6a4858ef..fc56cf9d 100644
--- a/protocol/localstatequery/client.go
+++ b/protocol/localstatequery/client.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package localstatequery
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"sync"
 
@@ -943,7 +944,7 @@ func (c *Client) acquire(acquireTarget AcquireTarget) error {
 		case AcquireImmutableTip:
 			msg = NewMsgReAcquireImmutableTip()
 		default:
-			return fmt.Errorf("invalid acquire point provided")
+			return errors.New("invalid acquire point provided")
 		}
 	} else {
 		switch t := acquireTarget.(type) {
@@ -954,7 +955,7 @@ func (c *Client) acquire(acquireTarget AcquireTarget) error {
 		case AcquireImmutableTip:
 			msg = NewMsgAcquireImmutableTip()
 		default:
-			return fmt.Errorf("invalid acquire point provided")
+			return errors.New("invalid acquire point provided")
 		}
 	}
 	if err := c.SendMessage(msg); err != nil {
diff --git a/protocol/localstatequery/server.go b/protocol/localstatequery/server.go
index a1eaa8c6..17b23da4 100644
--- a/protocol/localstatequery/server.go
+++ b/protocol/localstatequery/server.go
@@ -102,9 +102,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleAcquire(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if s.config.AcquireFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received local-state-query Acquire message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received local-state-query Acquire message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	var acquireTarget AcquireTarget
 	switch msgAcquire := msg.(type) {
@@ -150,9 +148,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleQuery(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if s.config.QueryFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received local-state-query Query message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received local-state-query Query message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	msgQuery := msg.(*MsgQuery)
 	// Call the user callback function
@@ -181,9 +177,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleRelease() error {
 			"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if s.config.ReleaseFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received local-state-query Release message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received local-state-query Release message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	// Call the user callback function
 	return s.config.ReleaseFunc(s.callbackContext)
@@ -198,9 +192,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleReAcquire(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if s.config.AcquireFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received local-state-query ReAcquire message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received local-state-query ReAcquire message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	var acquireTarget AcquireTarget
 	switch msgReAcquire := msg.(type) {
diff --git a/protocol/localtxmonitor/messages.go b/protocol/localtxmonitor/messages.go
index eb61fb3d..9fd1f4af 100644
--- a/protocol/localtxmonitor/messages.go
+++ b/protocol/localtxmonitor/messages.go
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package localtxmonitor
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"math"
 
@@ -173,7 +174,7 @@ func (m *MsgReplyNextTx) UnmarshalCBOR(data []byte) error {
 	}
 	messageType64 := tmp[0].(uint64)
 	if messageType64 > math.MaxUint8 {
-		return fmt.Errorf("message type integer overflow")
+		return errors.New("message type integer overflow")
 	}
 	// We know what the value will be, but it doesn't hurt to use the actual value from the message
 	m.MessageType = uint8(messageType64)
@@ -182,7 +183,7 @@ func (m *MsgReplyNextTx) UnmarshalCBOR(data []byte) error {
 		txWrapper := tmp[1].([]interface{})
 		eraId64 := txWrapper[0].(uint64)
 		if eraId64 > math.MaxUint8 {
-			return fmt.Errorf("era id integer overflow")
+			return errors.New("era id integer overflow")
 		}
 		m.Transaction = MsgReplyNextTxTransaction{
 			EraId: uint8(eraId64),
diff --git a/protocol/localtxmonitor/server.go b/protocol/localtxmonitor/server.go
index 5341708f..3511e5f7 100644
--- a/protocol/localtxmonitor/server.go
+++ b/protocol/localtxmonitor/server.go
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ package localtxmonitor
 
 import (
 	"encoding/hex"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"math"
 
@@ -93,9 +94,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleAcquire() error {
 			"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if s.config.GetMempoolFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received local-tx-monitor Acquire message but no GetMempool callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received local-tx-monitor Acquire message but no GetMempool callback function is defined")
 	}
 	// Call the user callback function to get mempool information
 	mempoolSlotNumber, mempoolCapacity, mempoolTxs, err := s.config.GetMempoolFunc(
@@ -195,7 +194,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleNextTx() error {
 	}
 	mempoolTx := s.mempoolTxs[s.mempoolNextTxIdx]
 	if mempoolTx.EraId > math.MaxUint8 {
-		return fmt.Errorf("integer overflow in era id")
+		return errors.New("integer overflow in era id")
 	}
 	newMsg := NewMsgReplyNextTx(uint8(mempoolTx.EraId), mempoolTx.Tx)
 	if err := s.SendMessage(newMsg); err != nil {
@@ -220,10 +219,10 @@ func (s *Server) handleGetSizes() error {
 	numTxs := len(s.mempoolTxs)
 	// check for over/underflows
 	if totalTxSize < 0 || totalTxSize > math.MaxUint32 {
-		return fmt.Errorf("integrer overflow in total tx size")
+		return errors.New("integrer overflow in total tx size")
 	}
 	if numTxs < 0 || numTxs > math.MaxUint32 {
-		return fmt.Errorf("integrer overflow in tx count")
+		return errors.New("integrer overflow in tx count")
 	}
 	newMsg := NewMsgReplyGetSizes(
 		s.mempoolCapacity,
diff --git a/protocol/localtxsubmission/server.go b/protocol/localtxsubmission/server.go
index c2d75024..d68490e1 100644
--- a/protocol/localtxsubmission/server.go
+++ b/protocol/localtxsubmission/server.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package localtxsubmission
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/cbor"
@@ -80,9 +81,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleSubmitTx(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if s.config.SubmitTxFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received local-tx-submission SubmitTx message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received local-tx-submission SubmitTx message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	msgSubmitTx := msg.(*MsgSubmitTx)
 	// Call the user callback function and send Accept/RejectTx based on result
diff --git a/protocol/peersharing/server.go b/protocol/peersharing/server.go
index 9592709c..e05dcb72 100644
--- a/protocol/peersharing/server.go
+++ b/protocol/peersharing/server.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package peersharing
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 
 	"github.com/blinklabs-io/gouroboros/protocol"
@@ -86,9 +87,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleShareRequest(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if s.config == nil || s.config.ShareRequestFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received peer-sharing ShareRequest message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received peer-sharing ShareRequest message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	msgShareRequest := msg.(*MsgShareRequest)
 	peers, err := s.config.ShareRequestFunc(
diff --git a/protocol/protocol.go b/protocol/protocol.go
index 948c3331..88c564df 100644
--- a/protocol/protocol.go
+++ b/protocol/protocol.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ package protocol
 
 import (
 	"bytes"
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"io"
 	"log/slog"
@@ -130,7 +131,7 @@ func (p *Protocol) Start() {
 			muxerProtocolRole,
 		)
 		if p.muxerDoneChan == nil {
-			p.SendError(fmt.Errorf("could not register protocol with muxer"))
+			p.SendError(errors.New("could not register protocol with muxer"))
 			return
 		}
 
diff --git a/protocol/txsubmission/client.go b/protocol/txsubmission/client.go
index 1fb8f083..80587c51 100644
--- a/protocol/txsubmission/client.go
+++ b/protocol/txsubmission/client.go
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-// Copyright 2024 Blink Labs Software
+// Copyright 2025 Blink Labs Software
 //
 // Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
 // you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package txsubmission
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"sync"
 
@@ -110,9 +111,7 @@ func (c *Client) handleRequestTxIds(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			"connection_id", c.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if c.config.RequestTxIdsFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received tx-submission RequestTxIds message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received tx-submission RequestTxIds message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	msgRequestTxIds := msg.(*MsgRequestTxIds)
 	// Call the user callback function
@@ -141,9 +140,7 @@ func (c *Client) handleRequestTxs(msg protocol.Message) error {
 			"connection_id", c.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if c.config.RequestTxsFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received tx-submission RequestTxs message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received tx-submission RequestTxs message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	msgRequestTxs := msg.(*MsgRequestTxs)
 	// Call the user callback function
diff --git a/protocol/txsubmission/server.go b/protocol/txsubmission/server.go
index 23a52889..197a483a 100644
--- a/protocol/txsubmission/server.go
+++ b/protocol/txsubmission/server.go
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 package txsubmission
 
 import (
+	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"math"
 	"sync"
@@ -224,9 +225,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleInit() error {
 			"connection_id", s.callbackContext.ConnectionId.String(),
 		)
 	if s.config == nil || s.config.InitFunc == nil {
-		return fmt.Errorf(
-			"received tx-submission Init message but no callback function is defined",
-		)
+		return errors.New("received tx-submission Init message but no callback function is defined")
 	}
 	// Call the user callback function
 	return s.config.InitFunc(s.callbackContext)
diff --git a/utils/debug.go b/utils/debug.go
index fa676f50..d5842f4e 100644
--- a/utils/debug.go
+++ b/utils/debug.go
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ func DumpCborStructure(data interface{}, prefix string) string {
 	case []uint8:
 		return fmt.Sprintf("%s<bytes> (length %d),\n", prefix, len(v))
 	case []interface{}:
-		ret.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("%s[\n", prefix))
+		ret.WriteString(prefix + "[\n")
 		newPrefix := prefix
 		// Override original user-provided prefix
 		// This assumes the original prefix won't start with a space
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ func DumpCborStructure(data interface{}, prefix string) string {
 			newPrefix = ""
 		}
 		// Add 2 more spaces to the new prefix
-		newPrefix = fmt.Sprintf("  %s", newPrefix)
+		newPrefix = "  " + newPrefix
 		/*
 			var lastOutput string
 			var lastOutputCount uint32
@@ -58,9 +58,9 @@ func DumpCborStructure(data interface{}, prefix string) string {
 			*/
 			ret.WriteString(tmp)
 		}
-		ret.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("%s],\n", prefix))
+		ret.WriteString(prefix + "],\n")
 	case map[interface{}]interface{}:
-		ret.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("%s{\n", prefix))
+		ret.WriteString(prefix + "{\n")
 		newPrefix := prefix
 		// Override original user-provided prefix
 		// This assumes the original prefix won't start with a space
@@ -68,11 +68,11 @@ func DumpCborStructure(data interface{}, prefix string) string {
 			newPrefix = ""
 		}
 		// Add 2 more spaces to the new prefix
-		newPrefix = fmt.Sprintf("  %s", newPrefix)
+		newPrefix = "  " + newPrefix
 		for key, val := range v {
 			ret.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("%s%#v => %#v,\n", newPrefix, key, val))
 		}
-		ret.WriteString(fmt.Sprintf("%s}\n", prefix))
+		ret.WriteString(prefix + "}\n")
 	default:
 		return fmt.Sprintf("%s%#v,\n", prefix, v)
 	}