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Sexual Assault Law

All articles tagged with #sexual assault law

Hochul Bypasses Local DA, Names AG James to Lead Cornell Rape Probe

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor for the 2024 alleged gang rape at Cornell University, bypassing Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. This move follows public outcry over Van Houten’s initial decision not to charge suspects and new evidence from a civil lawsuit. James will investigate the claims and potentially present evidence to a grand jury, while Cornell agrees to an independent review of its handling of the case.

via The Guardian|

#chi-phi-fraternity #cornell-university #kathy-hochul

legal1 day ago•7 min saved

New York Lawmakers Form Working Group to Address Voluntary Intoxication Loophole After Cornell Case

The Tompkins County District Attorney declined to bring criminal charges in the 2024 Cornell University gang rape case, citing a legal loophole that excludes voluntary intoxication from the definition of incapacity. This decision has triggered a legislative push in New York to amend sexual assault laws, with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announcing a working group to address the issue in the 2027 session. The case highlights a gap in New York’s penal code that prevents prosecution when a victim voluntarily consumes alcohol or drugs before an assault, a provision that has blocked legislative reform for eight years.

via CNN|

#chi-phi-fraternity #cornell-university #jane-doe