Roy Cohn was a controversial American lawyer best known for his role as Senator Joseph McCarthy‘s chief counsel during the anti-Communist Senate hearings in the 1950s, specifically the Army-McCarthy hearings. Born on February 20, 1927, and passing away on August 2, 1986, Cohn became a symbol of the era’s aggressive tactics and fear-mongering.
Here are key points about Roy Cohn:
- Early Career: Cohn gained prominence at a young age. By his mid-20s, he was already serving as an assistant U.S. Attorney and played a significant part in the prosecution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were convicted of espionage in 1951.
- McCarthy Hearings: Cohn’s national fame skyrocketed when he became the chief counsel to Senator Joseph McCarthy during the investigations into Communist infiltration in the U.S. government. His aggressive tactics and ruthless cross-examination style were central to the hearings.
- Post-McCarthy Era: After the decline of McCarthyism, Cohn returned to New York and established a private law practice. He became a powerful figure, known for his connections with politicians, celebrities, and mob figures.
- Legal and Political Maneuvering: Throughout his career, Cohn was known for bending the rules and using his political connections to influence various legal outcomes. He represented and advised a wide range of clients, including Donald Trump in his early business career.
- Controversy and Conviction: Cohn’s career was marked by numerous legal battles and ethical controversies. He was disbarred by the State of New York in 1986, shortly before his death, due to unethical conduct.
- Personal Life and Death: Cohn was a deeply private individual regarding his personal life. He never publicly acknowledged his homosexuality and died of AIDS-related complications in 1986.
Cohn’s life and career have been the subject of various books and documentaries, underscoring his complex legacy in American legal and political history.
