Judge denies gag order request in Cornell sex assault civil case
Summary
A judge in New York refused to issue a gag order in a civil case involving a former Cornell University student who alleges she was sexually assaulted at a fraternity house. The judge said the request was a distraction and emphasized the importance of protecting free speech during the legal process.Key Facts
- The civil case involves a former Cornell student claiming she was sexually assaulted in 2024 at the Chi Phi fraternity house.
- The student, called Jane Doe, filed the lawsuit against seven men and Cornell University.
- The men deny the allegations.
- Attorneys for the men asked for a gag order to limit public comments to avoid juror bias and protect sensitive information.
- Judge Phaedra Perry-Bond rejected the gag order, calling the request a "side show" that distracts from the case.
- The judge stressed that expressing opinions does not justify limiting First Amendment rights.
- The judge encouraged lawyers to protect their clients from threats, harassment, and doxing (publishing private information online).
- The court criticized one lawyer for including private emails in public filings to create media controversy.
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