José Severo Quiñones

José Severo Quiñones Caro (November 6, 1838 – March 6, 1909) was a Puerto Rican judge and lawyer. He served in the Spanish government of Puerto Rico before serving briefly as the Secretary of Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce of the autonomous government in 1898. Following the Foraker Act, he served as the first chief justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico from 1900 to his death in 1909.

Early life José Severo Quiñones Caro was born on November 6, 1839, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He graduated in 1854 with a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the Conciliar Seminary of Mexico.

Career In 1861, Quiñones returned to Puerto Rico. In 1862, he began practicing law in San Juan and continued until 1897. He was then elected as delegate to the Chamber. He resigned that position to accept a seat in the Administrative Councilor. He remained in this role until his death.