Thomas H. Roberts


Thomas Hagan Roberts was an American attorney and jurist who served as a judge on the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and Rhode Island Supreme Court.

Early life and education

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Roberts received his bachelor's degree from Fordham University and his law degree from Boston University School of Law. During World War II, he served as director of Rhode Island Civil Defense and chairman of the Rhode Island Bureau of Police and Fire.

Career

From 1949 to 1950, Roberts served as chief counsel of the United Nations War Crimes Commission. Roberts was appointed to the judgeship for the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, by President Harry S. Truman, and served from 1950 to 1952. Roberts served on the Rhode Island Superior Court in 1951 and then served on Rhode Island Supreme Court from 1955 to 1976 and was chief justice from 1966 to 1976. He was the brother of Rhode Island Governor Dennis J. Roberts.