High school student in Massachusetts became youngest judge in USA at 16 years old

A teenager in America became the youngest judge (male) in 2023, in an extraordinary move to demonstrate the ability of youth in government.

“People still have trouble believing me when I tell them that I was a Justice of the Peace, which is understandable,” said Henry Buckley to Guinness World Records. The Hingham, Massachusetts native was elected to the position when he was just 16 years and three days old, and served amidst officials more than double his age.

But that never bothered the politically-minded high school student, who believed he was capable of the job. Henry grew up watching the career of his grandfather, a prominent attorney who was active in Massachusetts state politics, and he was inspired to pursue public service from a very early age. 

His other big influence? A favourite character from the Andy Griffith Show. 

“In the show, the main character, Andy Taylor, is the town's beloved Sheriff and Justice of the Peace, and I wanted to play a similar role in my town, Hingham,” said Henry.

Yet as you might expect – it’s not easy becoming a Justice of the Peace. 

The law varies by state, but Massachusetts does not have an age limit on the position – though you do have to be a registered voter and reside in the commonwealth. There also needs to be a vacant job available – luckily, Hingham had one – before going through the lengthy application process.

“After getting four signatures on an application and a reference letter from a member of my community, I submitted my application to the Governor's Office where it would be vetted,” explained Henry.

“Governor Maura T. Healey then nominated me, and my application was sent to the Governor's Council where I was unanimously confirmed. After I received my commission, I was sworn in and formally became a Justice of the Peace.”

Once sworn into the position of Justice of the Peace, most judges serve for seven years, and perform duties like taking depositions, calling meetings, performing marriages (if authorized), and notarizing documents. 

“Although I was never called upon to take bail or hear criminal complaints, it was within my purview,” said Henry. “I did, however, notarize documents and helped to publish a JP handbook that is used statewide.

“Since a JP is a type of law enforcement officer, called a ‘conservator of the peace’, I was legally bound to enforce public peace laws, but I was never put in a situation that required me to ‘keep the peace’.” 

He also was also proud to testify before Massachusetts' legislature on matters concerning mental health reform and youth voting rights, causes that were particularly close to his heart.

Although Henry resigned his position in February to pursue other opportunities in public service, he still has a strong connection with the community that he served as a judge, and he aspires to go to law school and make a career doing what he loves.

“Being a Justice of the Peace means that you're a leading figure in your community. The title comes with weight and that influence can be used to harness meaningful change,” said Henry.  

“As a young person, I was able to prove that we, the up and coming generation, can do anything.”

Header image: Pixabay / Succo