Are the Cornell 7 Being Tried on Social Media?

On this special edition of The Reason Roundtable, Senior Editor Robby Soave is joined by Associate Editor Liz Wolfe, reporter Reem Ibrahim, and Senior Producer Zach Weissmueller to discuss the sexual assault allegations against seven Cornell University fraternity brothers. They examine conflicting accounts of what happened, the difference between reprehensible behavior and criminal conduct, and whether New York Attorney General Letitia James can oversee a fair investigation after Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed her to the case. They also consider Hochul’s push to change New York’s laws governing consent and voluntary intoxication, as well as the role social media has played in turning the case into a national spectacle.

Next, the panel discusses Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike and what it reveals about the practical and moral problems with the death penalty. Finally, they consider OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s argument that society should accept some negative consequences from artificial intelligence in exchange for its benefits.

0:00—The “Cornell Seven” investigation

29:21—Pike’s botched execution

36:53—Altman’s AI comments

53:29—Weekly cultural recommendations

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Mentioned in the podcast:

“The Cornell Rape Lawsuit Is Fueling a Deranged Social Media Mob,” by Robby Soave

“Letitia James Has Already Suggested the Cornell 7 Are Guilty,” by Robby Soave

“Would a Firing Squad Have Been More ‘Humane’ for Christa Pike?” by Billy Binion

“Trump Wants AI Companies To Police Themselves. His FTC Isn’t Waiting,” by Tosin Akintola

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