Defence lawyer in Cornell University case calls for special prosecutor to be removed
A defense lawyer for one of the men accused in a Cornell University gang rape case is seeking the recusal of New York Attorney General Letitia James. The lawyer argues that James's public social media comments regarding the case compromise the investigation's integrity.
Why it matters
The case highlights the tension between public advocacy by elected officials and the requirement for impartial legal investigations in high-profile sexual assault cases.
Image source, Getty Images By Brandon Drenon Published 8 minutes ago A lawyer for one of the seven men accused of participating in a Cornell University gang rape has called for the special prosecutor on the case to recuse herself over past public comments.
The lawyer had said a social post from New York Attorney General Letitia James throws into question her investigation's "integrity and independence".
In the 28 September post, James wrote that "what this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable" and told survivors that "we stand with you".
The university's administration is under fire over its alleged mishandling of the October 2024 incident and, according to US media, now faces a no-confidence vote by Cornell faculty.
The university's Faculty Senate, a governing body comprised of professors and other academic staff, will vote on a resolution of no confidence next week, according to reports.
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