John Evan Richards (July 7, 1856 – June 25, 1932) was an American attorney who served as an associate justice of the California Supreme Court from 1924 until 1932.

[5] In January 1904, Richards was elected a trustee of the newly formed Santa Clara Bar Association.

[6] In September 1907, Governor James Gillett appointed Richards as judge of the Santa Clara Superior Court to fill the vacancy from the resignation due to age of Augustus Rhodes.

[7][8][9] In October 1913, Governor Hiram Johnson elevated Richards to the First District Court of Appeal, replacing Samuel P. Hall who died in office.

On February 11, 1924, Governor Friend Richardson appointed Richards as an associate justice of the California Supreme Court to fill the vacant seat of Frank H.