Melinda H. Crouch - Ballotpedia

Melinda Crouch: Bio and Q&A

Melinda H. Crouch has a bachelor's degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a law degree. from Campbell University Law School. She lives with her husband, Walter, and they have two children. 

Melinda is a district court judge. She works at the 5th Judicial District Court in New Hanover and Pender counties, where she has been since 2007. She previously worked in private law practice from 1984 to 2007.

Melinda H. Crouch is currently a District Court Judge for North Carolina’s 5th Judicial District, serving New Hanover and Pender counties. She was first elected to the district court bench in 2007 and has since won re-election, defeating Charles Lineberry in the general election on November 4, 2014 and running unopposed in a subsequent race. Crouch previously ran for District 5B of the Second Division of the Superior Court in the general election on November 8, 2016 and did not win.

Melinda H. Crouch previously was a District Court Judge for North Carolina’s 5th Judicial District. Crouch previously ran for District 5B of the Second Division of the Superior Court in the general election on November 8, 2016, but did not win.

As an attorney, handled cases including wrongful death, personal injury, product liability, real estate, drug trafficking, and murder.

As a state district court judge, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- As an attorney, handled cases including wrongful death, personal injury, product liability, real estate, drug trafficking, and murder.
- As a state district court judge, oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Legal Experience

Said, "Generally, I have no objection to cameras in the courtroom as long as they do not impede or interfere with the court process. Each case must be considered individually to weigh the rights of the litigants and any concerns the particular case raises as to whether cameras might prejudice one side or the other, and whether there are privacy concerns of victims in criminal cases."

Supports cameras in the courtroom as long as they are not interruptive. 

Said, "The one thing that I would change about the Superior Court system is the manner in which judges are chosen... It is not a good system to have judicial candidates to be forced to raise money and campaign. This system of electing judges may tend to diminish public trust as running for office politicizes the judiciary."

Said, "The one thing that I would change about the Superior Court system is the manner in which judges are chosen. It is not a good system to have judicial candidates to be forced to raise money and campaign."

- Supports cameras in the courtroom as long as they are not interruptive. 
- Said, "The one thing that I would change about the Superior Court system is the manner in which judges are chosen. It is not a good system to have judicial candidates to be forced to raise money and campaign."

Judicial Administration

Supports diverting youthful offenders from jails, noting that incarcerating 16 and 17 year olds is ineffective in deterring future crime and that addressing underlying issues is more likely to lead to productive lives.

Supports diverting youthful offenders from jails and addressing underlying issues that cause juvenile offenders. 

- Supports diverting youthful offenders from jails and addressing underlying issues that cause juvenile offenders. 

Judicial Philosophy

As of January 5, 2026, Melinda H. Crouch did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Melinda H. Crouch

Pender County Board of Elections Announces Primary Election ...

Facebook

As of January 5, 2026, Melinda H. Crouch’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 