José Cousiño

José Fructuoso Cousiño Fernández (20 January 1822 – 24 October 1893) was a Chilean lawyer and judge who served twice as president of the Supreme Court, in 1886 and from 1889 to 1890.

Early life and education

Cousiño was born in Santiago on 20 January 1822, the son of Juan Antonio Cousiño Zapata and Jesús Fernández. He studied law at the Instituto Nacional and was admitted to the bar on 16 April 1845.

He subsequently taught philosophy before pursuing his legal and judicial career.

Judicial career

Cousiño initially served on several occasions as substitute judge of letters for the Province of Colchagua. He later moved to La Serena, where he practiced law.

He subsequently joined the Court of Appeals of La Serena, serving as one of its justices before reaching the country's highest court.

On 20 April 1882, Cousiño was appointed a justice of the Supreme Court of Chile.

In 1886, Cousiño became president of the Supreme Court for the first time, succeeding Belisario Prats. He held the presidency during the government of Domingo Santa María and was succeeded by Álvaro Covarrubias in 1887.

On 19 September 1886, Cousiño was appointed a member of the Council of State in his capacity as a member of the higher courts of justice.

Cousiño served as president of the Supreme Court for a second time from 1889 to 1890, succeeding José Bernales Urmeneta. His second presidency took place during the government of José Manuel Balmaceda. He was succeeded by Vicente Ábalos in 1891.

Following the 1891 Chilean Civil War, Cousiño was removed from his position on the Supreme Court due to his support for the government of President Balmaceda.