The Cornell Rape Case Is Reopened. Can Prosecutors Actually Win?

A newly filed civil lawsuit has put an alleged 2024 sexual assault at Cornell University back in the spotlight—and prompted the local district attorney to reopen the investigation. Michael examines the graphic allegations, the accuser’s earlier sworn statement described by the DA, and the major discrepancies now at the center of the case. NBC senior legal analyst Danny Cevallos joins Michael to discuss why, despite deeply troubling alleged conduct, securing a criminal conviction could prove extraordinarily difficult. Then listeners weigh in on consent, prosecution, campus culture, and the burden of proof. Original air date 29 September 2026.