Joseph Welch

Joseph Nye Welch (October 22, 1890 – October 6, 1960) was the head attorney for the United States Army while it was under investigation by Joseph McCarthy's Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations for Communist activities. This investigation (known as the "Army-McCarthy Hearings") was underway when television was first becoming a common household product in the United States. It was the first time the country got a first-hand view of McCarthy.

Related Topics:
October 22 - 1890 - October 6 - 1960 - United States Army - Joseph McCarthy - Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations - Army-McCarthy Hearings

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After months of trials, McCarthy accused one of the junior attorneys on the case of association with a group linked with the Communist party while in college, and went after the young man viciously. Welch wrote this off as childhood indiscretion and famously rebuked: "Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

These proceedings have been recorded in the documentary film Point of Order!. A phrase that was repeated often during the hearings.

Related Topics:
Documentary film - Point of Order!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Welch was a partner at Hale and Dorr, a Boston law firm. The firm has since merged with a DC firm to become Wilmer Hale LLP.

Related Topics:
Partner - Hale and Dorr - Boston - Wilmer Hale

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~