José Conrado Hernández

José Conrado Hernández Santiago (February 19, 1849 – June 20, 1932) was a Puerto Rican judge. He served as a judge under the Spanish monarchy in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and in the Philippines, later serving in the Philippines under American territorial administration. He was appointed as one of the first associate justices of the newly established Supreme Court of Puerto Rico in 1900. He served as the second chief justice of the court from 1909 to 1922.

Early life José Conrado Hernández was born on February 19, 1849, in Aibonito, Puerto Rico. He was educated in Spain. In 1865, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts. He graduated with a degree in civil and canon law from the University of Salamanca in 1873. He later graduated with a doctorate in theology from the Colegio Central de Salamanca.

In 1900, Hernández was appointed by President William McKinley as one of the first associate justices of the newly established Supreme Court of Puerto Rico. He started his term on May 1, 1900. He was appointed president of the Board of Prison Control in March 1900. In 1909, he was appointed as chief justice of the court by President William Howard Taft. He served until his retirement in 1922.

Personal life Hernández died on June 20, 1932, aged 84, in San Juan.