Cornell student seeks judge's review of Letitia James' role in sex assault case

A Cornell University student accused of sexually assaulting a female classmate is seeking a judge's review of New York Attorney General Letitia James' role as special prosecutor in the case.

The challenge comes after James made public statements about the victim's experience, which the student's lawyer argues demonstrate bias against the defendants.

James was appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul in October after she expressed a loss of faith in the previous investigator. The student's lawyer claims James has already taken a side in the case.

The judge overseeing the case, James Farrell, will hear arguments on whether James should remain in the role. Both sides have been given 30 minutes to present their case.

Another motion to remove James from the case is pending in Tompkins County, where a separate student accused of involvement in the incident is also challenging her appointment.

Meanwhile, Cornell's Faculty Senate is considering a no-confidence vote on the university's handling of sexual assault allegations, with an outside investigation led by Sally Yates underway.