Thomas Wade Bruton (September 10, 1902 – May 21, 1976) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the Attorney General of North Carolina from March 2, 1960, through January 1, 1969.

In early 1945 he was sent to Germany to head the army's prosecution division in Wiesbaden, and prepared trials for German war criminals.

He returned to the United States the following year and resumed his post as Assistant Attorney General of North Carolina.

[2] On February 20, 1960, Governor Luther H. Hodges declared that he would appoint Bruton Attorney General of North Carolina following the resignation of Malcolm B.

[3] He won two full terms as attorney general until losing in a Democratic primary to Robert Burren Morgan in 1968.