Letter to the editor (Photo: Bigstock)

The State Bar of Georgia extends condolences to the family, colleagues and many friends of University of Georgia Professor of Law Emeritus Donald Eugene Wilkes Jr., whose passing June 7 has left us all saddened.

A member of the State Bar of Georgia since 1972, Professor Wilkes taught at UGA Law for 41 years and was considered one of the world's leading authorities on habeas corpus. He devoted himself to scholarly work and had more than 325 public works. Outside the field of legal academia, he was an outspoken community advocate for human rights.

Professor Wilkes will be missed and fondly remembered by all in Georgia's legal community. We appreciate the many contributions he made during his admirable career and his exemplary service to legal education and the justice system.

Darrell Sutton

President, State Bar of Georgia