William Cousins (judge) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Cousins
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| Illinois Appellate Court Judge | |
| In office 1992–2002 |
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| Illinois Circuit Court Judge | |
| In office 1976–1992 |
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| Chicago Alderman from the 8th Ward | |
| In office 1967–1976 |
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| Preceded by | James A. Condon |
| Succeeded by | Marian Humes |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 29, 1927 Swiftown, Mississippi, United States |
| Died | January 20, 2018 (aged 90) Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Resting place | United States Chicago, Il |
| Political party | Democratic (1964-2018) Republican (until 1964) |
| Spouse | Hiroko |
| Children | Four |
| Residence | Chicago, Illinois |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois (B.A.) Harvard Law School (J.D.) |
| Profession | Attorney Judge |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1951–1976 |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Unit | United States Army Reserve (1953-1976) |
William Cousins, Jr. was an important American lawyer and judge. He was also a member of the Chicago City Council, which helps run the city. He lived from October 29, 1927, to January 20, 2018.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Cousins, Jr. was born in Swiftown, Mississippi. His family later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and then to Chicago, Illinois. He finished high school at DuSable High School in Chicago in 1945.
Cousins went to the University of Illinois, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1948. He then studied law at Harvard Law School and received his law degree in 1951.
He also served in the United States Army and became a lieutenant colonel. After his military service, he worked as a lawyer in Chicago. He also served as an assistant state's attorney for Cook County.
Serving on the Chicago City Council
William Cousins first belonged to the Republican Party. However, he changed to the Democratic Party during the 1964 elections. This was after the Republican Party nominated Barry Goldwater, who was against the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
In 1967, Cousins was elected to the Chicago City Council. He represented the 8th Ward, winning against the person who held the position before him, James A. Condon. While on the City Council, Cousins was known for opposing the powerful Democratic political group led by Richard J. Daley. He served on the City Council from 1967 to 1976. After he left, Marian Humes took his place.
Career as a Judge
After his time on the City Council, William Cousins became a judge. He served as an Illinois Circuit Court judge from 1976 to 1992. In 1979, he made a ruling that the death penalty was unconstitutional.
In 1992, he was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court. This is a higher court that reviews decisions made by lower courts. He served as an Appellate Court judge until 2002.
Later Years and Passing
William Cousins retired from his work as a judge. He passed away at the University of Chicago Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, on January 20, 2018.
