Harold Melton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harold Melton
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Melton in 2019
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| Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court | |
| In office September 4, 2018 – July 1, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Harris Hines |
| Succeeded by | David Nahmias |
| Associate Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court | |
| In office July 1, 2005 – July 1, 2021 |
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| Appointed by | Sonny Perdue |
| Preceded by | Norman S. Fletcher |
| Succeeded by | Verda Colvin |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Harold David Melton
September 25, 1966 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Kimberly D. Melton |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Auburn University (BA) University of Georgia (JD) |
Harold David Melton, born on September 25, 1966, is a very important judge from Georgia. He used to be the top judge, called the Chief Justice, on the Supreme Court of Georgia. This court is the highest court in the state.
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Harold Melton's Early Life and School
Harold Melton finished Joseph Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia, in 1984. He then went to Auburn University and earned a degree in science. Later, in 1991, he got his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law.
From 1991 to 2002, Harold Melton was a volunteer leader for Young Life Ministries. He also helps out with the Atlanta Youth Academy and leads the Teen Ministry at Southwest Christian Fellowship Church.
Student Leadership at Auburn University
While at Auburn University, Harold Melton was elected President of the Student Government Association. This happened during the 1987–88 school year. He was the first African-American student to hold this important position at Auburn. He was also the first "independent" student to be elected, meaning he was not part of a fraternity. Today, a building at Auburn University, the Melton Student Center, is named in his honor.
Harold Melton's Career in Law and Government
Before becoming a judge, Harold Melton worked for the government. He was the Executive Counsel, or main lawyer, for Governor Perdue. This means he gave legal advice to the governor.
Before that, he spent 11 years as an Assistant Attorney General in the Georgia Department of Law. In this role, he helped the state with legal matters.
Serving on the Georgia Supreme Court
Governor Sonny Perdue first chose Harold Melton to be a judge on the Georgia Supreme Court on July 1, 2005. He filled a spot that opened up when Justice Norman S. Fletcher retired. This was a special appointment because it was the first time a Republican governor in Georgia had appointed a judge to the Supreme Court since 1868.
On September 4, 2018, Harold Melton was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the court. This means he became the head judge. Former Chief Justice Harris Hines led the ceremony.
On February 12, 2021, Harold Melton announced that he would retire from the court on July 1, 2021. After leaving the court, he joined a law firm called Troutman Pepper as a partner on July 19, 2021.
