Samuel von Cocceji


Samuel Freiherr von Cocceji was a German official from the Electorate of the Palatinate who served Brandenburg-Prussia and the Kingdom of Prussia. He was the son of Heinrich von Cocceji.

Early life

Cocceji was born on 20 October 1679 in Heidelberg. Cocceji studied law with his father Heinrich von Cocceji, received his doctorate in 1699 and embarked on a three-year educational trip through Italy, France, England and Holland.

Career

In 1702, after his European travels, he became a professor of law at Viadrina University in Frankfurt (Oder). By 1723 he was Kammergerichtspräsident and from 19 September 1731 to 1737 he served as the president of the Oberappellationsgericht zu Berlin, the highest court of Prussia.
In 1738 and 1739, Cocceji was chairman of the Prussian justice department, before he was made Großkanzler in 1747. King Frederick II of Prussia appointed Cocceji to lead the legal reorganization of annexed Silesia. Cocceji subsequently reformed the legal system of all of Prussia.

Personal life

Cocceji married Johanna Charlotte von Bechefer, daughter of the Prussian Lieutenant general Jakob von Bechefer. Together they had three daughters and three sons, including:
Cocceji died on 4 October 1755.