Samuel von Cocceji facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel von Cocceji
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Portrait by Anna Rosina de Gasc (1737)
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| Prussian Minister of Justice | |
| In office 1737–1755 |
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| Preceded by | Inaugural holder |
| Succeeded by | Philipp Joseph von Jariges |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 October 1679 Heidelberg |
| Died | 4 October 1755 (aged 75) Berlin |
| Parent | Heinrich von Cocceji (father) |
Samuel Freiherr von Cocceji (pronounced kok-'tse-yi) (born October 20, 1679 – died October 4, 1755) was an important German official. He worked for the regions of Brandenburg-Prussia and later the Kingdom of Prussia. Samuel was the son of Heinrich von Cocceji, who was also a well-known legal expert.
Early Life and Education
Samuel von Cocceji was born in Heidelberg on October 20, 1679. He studied law with his father, Heinrich von Cocceji. In 1699, Samuel earned his doctorate degree. After finishing his studies, he went on a three-year trip. He traveled through countries like Italy, France, England, and Holland. This trip helped him learn more about different legal systems.
A Career in Law and Government
In 1702, after his travels, Samuel became a law professor. He taught at Viadrina University in Frankfurt (Oder). He quickly moved up in his career. By 1723, he was the president of the Kammergericht. This was a very important court in Prussia. From 1731 to 1737, he led the highest court in Prussia, called the Oberappellationsgericht zu Berlin.
In 1738, Samuel von Cocceji became the head of the Prussian justice department. Later, in 1747, King Frederick II of Prussia made him the Großkanzler, or grand chancellor. King Frederick II asked Cocceji to fix the legal system in Silesia, a region Prussia had recently taken over. Cocceji did such a good job that he then reformed the entire legal system of Prussia. This made the laws clearer and fairer for everyone.
Family Life
Samuel von Cocceji married Johanna Charlotte von Bechefer. Her father was Jakob von Bechefer, a Prussian general. Samuel and Johanna had six children together: three daughters and three sons.
- Sophia Susanna Charlotte von Cocceji (around 1720–1794) married General Dubislav Friedrich von Platen.
- Karl Ludwig von Cocceji (1724–1808) became a senior district president in Glogau.
- Johann Heinrich Friedrich von Cocceji (1726–around 1799) became a Prussian colonel. He also worked as a royal adjutant general.
- Carl Friedrich Ernst von Cocceji (1728–1780) was a general who served the last King of Poland, Stanislaus II.
- Luise von Cocceji never married. She was a maid of honor to Prussian Queen Elisabeth Christine.
- Amalie Charlotte Henriette von Cocceji (1729–1757) married Baron Mathieu II von Vernezobre-Laurieux.
Samuel von Cocceji passed away on October 4, 1755.
