GG89: NY Defense Attorney Calls the Tompkins County DA's Cornell Decision "Truly Stunning"
Summary
Criminal defense attorney Liz Skeen analyzes the legal fallout from the Cornell University sexual assault case, focusing on the Tompkins County DA’s decision to dismiss charges based on a brief, police-written statement. Skeen criticizes the DA for failing to conduct a proper investigation or interview the victim, arguing that the dismissal was likely influenced by institutional pressures and bias. She details the specific New York statutes for rape and sexual abuse, explaining why the facts could support criminal charges despite the initial lack of prosecution. The discussion highlights th…
Topics discussed
Sponsorships and introduction to the episode
Guest introduction and website announcement
Overview of the civil complaint and defendants
Analysis of legal strategy and attorney details
The role of campus police in the investigation
Issues with the victim's statement and corrections
Criticism of the DA's decision not to prosecute
Comparison with standard DA investigation processes
Institutional influence and potential bias in Tompkins County
Sponsorships and transition to evidence discussion
Discussion on evidence preservation and phone records
Breakdown of New York rape laws and degrees
Legal definitions of intoxication and consent
Exasperation over lack of proper victim interview
Impact of time on criminal case viability
Personal frustration with the DA's defensive statement
Sponsorships and transition to motion to dismiss
Analysis of the motion to remove the special prosecutor
Discussion on individual defendant outcomes and strategy
Closing remarks and final sponsorships
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