Overview
Mishael Cheshin (Hebrew: מישאל חשין) was an Israeli jurist who served as a justice on the Supreme Court of Israel from 1992 until his retirement in 2006. Born on February 16, 1936 in Beirut, Cheshin spent his professional life within Israel's legal and judicial institutions and became known as a seasoned member of the country's highest court. He died on September 19, 2015 in Tel Aviv after a battle with cancer.
Career and judicial service
Before his appointment to the bench, Cheshin worked for the Ministry of Justice, where he gained experience in public law and administration. In 1992 he was appointed to the Supreme Court, joining a panel of justices responsible for interpreting Israel's laws and reviewing government action. He served on the court for fourteen years, stepping down in 2006 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age for justices.
Contributions and judicial approach
During his tenure on the court, Cheshin participated in rulings that addressed matters of administrative law, civil liberties, and the relationship between state institutions and individuals. Colleagues and observers described the justices of that era as engaging with emerging constitutional issues and balancing legal principles with practical governance concerns. Cheshin's work formed part of the broader development of Israeli jurisprudence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Background and personal life
Born outside of the territory that later became Israel, Cheshin relocated and established his professional life in Israel, entering public service through the Justice Ministry. His path from administrative legal work to the Supreme Court reflects a common route for senior jurists in Israel, where experience in government legal departments often precedes judicial appointment. He is remembered as a figure who bridged administrative practice and judicial review.
Death and legacy
Mishael Cheshin died on September 19, 2015 in Tel Aviv at age 79 after illness. His death was noted in Israeli legal and public circles as the passing of a senior jurist who had contributed to the work of the Supreme Court over a formative period. The record of his opinions remains part of the court archives and continues to be consulted in discussions of administrative and constitutional law.
Key facts
- Full name and Hebrew rendering: מישאל חשין.
- Born: February 16, 1936, in Beirut.
- Served on the Supreme Court of Israel from 1992 to 2006.
- Previously worked in the Ministry of Justice prior to judicial appointment.
- Died September 19, 2015 in Tel Aviv after cancer.
- Recognized as part of Israel's legal establishment and judicial development during his service.
For further general context about the Israeli judiciary and the role of Supreme Court justices, see materials on the structure and appointment of judges in Israel (Israeli jurist resources).