Topic > Case Study of Thomas Sophonow - 1817

The calm acceptance of danger allows us to more easily assess the situation and see options(Simon Sinek, p.1).” Tunnel vision is defined as “the single-minded and excessively narrow focus on an investigation or prosecution theory so as to unreasonably influence one's evaluation of information received and one's conduct in response to the information (Department of Justice, p .1)". Tunnel vision is the leading cause of wrongful convictions in Canada. A trial should be fair and unfair. The accused should be seen as men/women who are innocent until proven guilty. Tunnel vision can occur when police are under pressure to solve a case. In the Sofonow investigation, tunnel vision was one of the main factors in why Sofonow was convicted. The police received clues from unreliable eyewitnesses that Sofonow was the last person to speak to Barbara. The police submitted to a narrow view early on in the case, forcing them to focus solely on Sofonow as the killer. Because they were so focused on Sofonow, they did not accept any other evidence or explanation that might have proven his innocence. The result of this put Sofonow behind bars and the real killer was never brought to justice. This trial was not fair to the accused and he was not given the opportunity to be considered an innocent person. Our justice system must be changed to avoid further wrongful convictions. Another case that ended with a tragic wrongful conviction is the Morin investigation. Mr. Morin was