Topic: Robert Watkins

Robert Dorsey Watkins (September 23, 1900 – March 19, 1986) was a United States federal judge.

Watkins was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He received an A.B. from Johns Hopkins University in 1922. He received a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University in 1925. He received an LL.B. from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1925. He was a Lecturer, Johns Hopkins University from 1923 to 1965. He was a Lecturer, University of Maryland School of Law from 1925 to 1968. He was in private practice in Baltimore, Maryland from 1925 to 1955.

Watkins was a federal judge on the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. Watkins received a recess appointment from President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 12, 1955, to a seat vacated by William C. Coleman. Formally nominated on January 12, 1956. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 1, 1956, and received his commission on March 2, 1956. He served as chief judge from 1970-1970. He assumed senior status on August 11, 1971. Watkins's service was terminated on March 19, 1986, due to death.