LinkedIn

Tifton Judicial Circuit: Judge Melanie B. Cross

Melanie and her husband have three sons.  They live in Tifton, where they attend St. Anne’s Episcopal Church. She earned an associate's degree in science, with honors, from Abraham Baldwin College, a Bachelor in Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, and her law degree from the Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law. 

Before becoming a Superior Court Judge, Melanie had a variety of experience in private practice. She also spent over 12 years as a Special Assistant Attorney General representing the State of Georgia and the Department of Human Resources.

Melanie Cross has served as a Superior Court Judge on the Tifton Judicial Circuit since 2009. 

Earned her law degree from Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law.

As a Superior Court Judge on the Tifton Judicial Circuit, presides over trials, interprets laws, and ensures fair administration of justice.

Worked in a wide array of areas during private practice, including insurance defense, plaintiff’s work, health care, commercial transactions, corporate law, banking law, general trial practice, and real estate.

Spent over twelve years as a Special Assistant Attorney General representing the State of Georgia and the Department of Human Resources, protecting the interests of children in cases of deprivation, neglect and abuse.

- Earned her law degree from Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law.
- As a Superior Court Judge on the Tifton Judicial Circuit, presides over trials, interprets laws, and ensures fair administration of justice.
- Worked in a wide array of areas during private practice, including insurance defense, plaintiff’s work, health care, commercial transactions, corporate law, banking law, general trial practice, and real estate.
- Spent over twelve years as a Special Assistant Attorney General representing the State of Georgia and the Department of Human Resources, protecting the interests of children in cases of deprivation, neglect and abuse.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, Melanie Barbee Cross did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Trellis Law: Judge Melanie B. Cross

Has worked on the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Board of Trustees.

- Has worked on the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Board of Trustees.

Community Involvement

Melanie Barbee Cross

- Georgia Superior Court Judges hear a wide range of criminal cases from petty theft and public drunkenness to murder. Some cases in front of the Georgia Superior Court involve the death penalty. 
- On the civil side, Superior Court Judges hear cases on divorce, titles to land, contract disputes, and premises liability. 
- Superior Court Judges are elected by judicial circuit. Each county surrounding Atlanta has its own judicial circuit, while rural judicial districts typically consist of multiple counties.
- Superior Court Judges are elected to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. The Governor can appoint Superior Court Judges when vacancies arise. 