NY AG faces complaint over bias in Cornell rape case

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 17:37 · Archive

A bar ethics complaint has been filed against New York Attorney General Letitia James for making prejudicial public statements about a rape case at Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity before being appointed special prosecutor to investigate it.

Two days before her appointment, on 28 September, James posted on social media: 'What this young woman has been forced to endure is horrific and unacceptable. To her, and to all survivors: you're not alone. We stand with you.' The complaint, filed by the Washington, DC-based National Legal and Policy Center, argues that by publicly supporting the accuser's account before investigating, James compromised her impartiality.

The complaint states the violation 'is flagrant, obvious and therefore shocking' and calls for James either to recuse herself or be removed from the case. A defence lawyer representing one of the seven men accused has separately filed a motion in court arguing that James' statements have 'prejudiced grand jurors' and that she should be removed. The lawyer also accused Governor Kathy Hochul of selecting James because of her prejudicial public statements, suggesting the governor expects a particular outcome.

How it is being reported

• Letitia James faces new push to boot her from Cornell rape probe over alleged bias: court docsA defense lawyer argues New York Attorney General Letitia James prejudged the Cornell University rape case and asks Tompkins County court to remove her.Fox News · 10 Oct, 17:13
• NY AG Letitia James hit with bar complaint for ‘flagrant violation’ in ‘Cornell 7’ case: ‘She must recuse herself’A bar ethics complaint has been filed against New York AG James for allegedly making prejudicial statements about the "Cornell 7" in the days before being appointed special prosecutor.New York Post · 10 Oct, 16:18

In this story: Letitia James · New York Attorney General · Cornell University · Chi Phi · New York · Tompkins County

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