Roy Cohn: The Notorious Lawyer of the American Right

Introduction

Roy Marcus Cohn (February 20, 1927 – August 2, 1986) was an American lawyer known for his ruthless tactics, controversial clients, and close association with politicians, most notably Senator Joseph McCarthy. Cohn's career spanned the early days of McCarthyism to the rise of the Reagan administration, and he played a significant role in shaping American politics and culture.

Early Life and Education

Cohn was born in New York City to a wealthy German-Jewish family. He attended preparatory schools in Manhattan and graduated from Columbia College in 1946. He earned his law degree from Yale Law School in 1949.

Political Career

McCarthyism and the Lavender Scare:

After completing law school, Cohn worked as a prosecutor in the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. In 1953, he became chief counsel to the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, led by Senator Joseph McCarthy. Cohn played a key role in McCarthy's anti-communist witch hunts, which targeted alleged communist spies and sympathizers in government and other institutions. Cohn's aggressive tactics, including the use of guilt by association and unsubstantiated accusations, earned him a reputation as a ruthless political operative.

The Lavender Scare:

Cohn was also instrumental in the Lavender Scare, a campaign against homosexuals in government and other sensitive positions. Cohn accused many individuals of being homosexuals, often without any evidence, and used this information to blackmail or force them to resign.

Legal Career

Controversial Clients:

Cohn's legal career was marked by his representation of controversial clients, including organized crime figures, politicians, and celebrities. He defended Anthony "Fat Tony" Salerno, the boss of the Genovese crime family, and Bernard Madoff, the author of the largest Ponzi scheme in history.

Trump Tower Case:

In 1984, Cohn represented Donald Trump in a lawsuit alleging that Trump's construction of Trump Tower was damaging an adjacent building. Cohn's aggressive tactics, including questioning the opposing lawyer's competence, helped secure a favorable settlement for Trump.

Personal Life and Legacy

Homosexuality and AIDS:

Cohn was openly gay, but he denied his sexual orientation for much of his life. In 1986, he was diagnosed with AIDS and died shortly after. His death sparked controversy over his handling of the disease, as he initially denied having it and then refused to take any medication.

Legacy:

Roy Cohn's legacy remains controversial. Some view him as a brilliant but ruthless lawyer who exploited the political climate to achieve his goals. Others see him as a symbol of the excesses and injustices of McCarthyism and the Lavender Scare. His tactics have been criticized for their damage to due process and the civil liberties of American citizens.

Effective Strategies

Cohn's legal and political strategies were often controversial, but they also proved effective in achieving his clients' objectives. Some of his most notable strategies included:

• Using guilt by association: Cohn would often link his opponents to known or alleged communists or homosexuals, even without any direct evidence of wrongdoing.
• Questioning opponents' competence and character: Cohn would frequently attack the credibility of those who testified against his clients, suggesting that they were biased or incompetent.
• Delaying and obstructing the proceedings: Cohn would use aggressive tactics to slow down the legal process, hoping to exhaust his opponents or force a favorable settlement.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks that Roy Cohn used to achieve success in his legal career:

• Be prepared and aggressive: Cohn was known for his meticulous preparation and his willingness to go on the offensive in court.
• Know your audience: Cohn carefully tailored his arguments to appeal to the prejudices and beliefs of his listeners.
• Control the narrative: Cohn was skilled at controlling the flow of information in the courtroom and the media.
• Never back down: Cohn was always willing to fight for his clients, even when the odds were stacked against him.

FAQs

1. Was Roy Cohn gay?

Yes, Roy Cohn was openly gay, although he denied it for much of his life.

2. Who did Roy Cohn represent?

Cohn represented a wide range of controversial clients, including organized crime figures, politicians, and celebrities. Some of his most notable clients included Anthony "Fat Tony" Salerno, Bernard Madoff, and Donald Trump.

3. What was Roy Cohn's role in McCarthyism?

As chief counsel to the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Cohn played a key role in McCarthy's anti-communist witch hunts. He used aggressive tactics, including guilt by association and unsubstantiated accusations, to target alleged communist spies and sympathizers.

4. How did Roy Cohn die?

Cohn died of AIDS in 1986. He initially denied having the disease and refused to take any medication.

Conclusion

Roy Cohn was a complex and controversial figure in American history. His ruthless tactics, controversial clients, and close association with politicians shaped the political climate of the 20th century. While his legacy remains the subject of debate, there is no doubt that he played a significant role in American politics and culture.