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Judge Diane E. Bessen - Professional Background & Legal Expertise

Diane and her husband, Steven Weiner, have two children. Diane obtained her B.A. from Emory University and her J.D. from Emory University School of Law. She was born in Liberty, New York. 

Diane began her career with McGinn, Webb & Warner prior to becoming a sole practitioner. She is a member of the Alumni Board of Emory University School of Law, Judicial Council Standing Committee on Technology and Co-Editor of Atlanta Lawyer Magazine. She is a former member of State Bar Legislative Council, former Co-chair of Ga.State Bar Commission on E-filing, fand ormer Chair Atlanta Bar Judicial Section.

Roy Barnes has been state court judge since July 2002, after her appointment by the governor. Prior to that she had been a Fulton Country Magistrate as well as a Pro Hac Judge with City of Atlanta Traffic Court.

Obtained her J.D. from Emory University School of Law

Appointed by Governor Roy Barnes in July 2002, Judge Bessen has run unopposed every term since.

Has been a Fulton Country Magistrate as well as a Pro Hac Judge with City of Atlanta Traffic Court

- Obtained her J.D. from Emory University School of Law
- Appointed by Governor Roy Barnes in July 2002, Judge Bessen has run unopposed every term since.
- Has been a Fulton Country Magistrate as well as a Pro Hac Judge with City of Atlanta Traffic Court

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, Diane E Bessen did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Recipient of the Atlanta Bar Association's Service Award

- Recipient of the Atlanta Bar Association's Service Award

Community Involvement

Diane E Bessen

- Despite their name, State Courts in Georgia have limited jurisdiction within their county. State Court Judges also have limited jurisdiction over the types of cases they hear, as opposed to Superior Court. 
- State Court Judges hear misdemeanors, like traffic tickets. They also issue arrest and search warrants and hold preliminary hearings in some criminal cases. 
- State Court Judges hear most civil matters that aren't related to land titles, divorce, or cases involving non-monetary damages (those matters are handled by the Superior Court).
- State Court Judges are elected in non-partisan county wide elections and serve four year terms. The Governor can appoint State Court Judges when vacancies arise. 
