Herbert Putnam Wilkins (January 10, 1930 – May 27, 2025) was an American jurist who served as chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court from 1996 to 1999, a position his father, Raymond Sanger Wilkins, held from 1956 to 1970.
Life and career Wilkins was born on January 10, 1930. He received his B.A. from Harvard College and his law degree from Harvard Law School. He joined the law firm of Palmer and Dodge.Boston College Law: "Herbert P. Wilkins", accessed December 21, 2010
He had the longest tenure of any Associate Justice of the Court (from 1972) when he was nominated Chief Judge by Governor William Weld on July 16, 1996.Boston Globe: Frank Phillips and John Ellement, "Weld picks Wilkins for chief justice," July 17, 1996 He retired from the Court on August 31, 1999.Boston Globe: Edgar J. Driscoll Jr.,, "Francis J. Quirico, at 88; Was Supreme Judicial Court Justice," October 13, 1999
After retiring from the court, Justice Wilkins taught at Boston College Law School.Boston Globe: Jonathan Saltzman, "Sitting SJC judge may rise to chief," July 23, 2010 He died on May 27, 2025, at the age of 95.
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