16-year-old Henry Buckley becomes the US' youngest male judge, recognised by Guinness World Records

In an incredible achievement for American civic engagement, 16-year-old Henry Buckley of Hingham, Massachusetts, has officially been declared the United States' youngest male judge. Sworn in as a Justice of the Peace only three days after turning 16 years old, Henry now stands on a record-breaking achievement certified by Guinness World Records . His success is both legally valid and symbolically potent, proving that age does not represent a bar to public service when approached with dedication and talent.



US declared Henry Buckley as ‘youngest male judge’ at 16

One of the main reasons Henry's appointment was possible is Massachusetts's liberal legislation. In contrast to most states with stringent age requirements for public office, Massachusetts has no minimum age requirement for the position of Justice of the Peace. The major requirements are simple: the candidate must be a registered voter, be a resident of the commonwealth, and there has to be a vacancy.

Henry, who fit all of these qualifications, jumped at the chance and went through a formal selection process, even though he was years younger than the average appointee. Henry's passion for public service was ignited early in life. Raised in a politically active family, he was close to his grandfather, a well-respected lawyer involved in state politics. But it wasn't only living individuals that influenced him.

"I was inspired by The Andy Griffith Show. Andy Taylor was Sheriff and Justice of the Peace, and I wanted to replicate that in my own community," Henry explained to Guinness World Records.

This combination of real-life and TV role models gave him a sense of responsibility and the motivation to make concrete contributions to his community.



How Henry secured his Justice of the Peace role

Although his age was a surprise, Henry's professionalism and determination impressed his community and state leaders. To be considered, he:

• Gathered four signatures for his application.
• Obtained a letter of reference from a respected member of his community.
• Turned in the completed application to the Office of the Governor.

His appointment was subsequently ratified by Governor Maura T. Healey and referred to the Governor's Council, which approved his appointment unanimously. Once commissioned, he took oath and officially became a Justice of the Peace.


Duties and responsibilities of a Massachusetts Justice of the Peace

Massachusetts Justices of the Peace hold office for seven years, with the following duties:

• Notarizing legal documents
• Conducting civil marriages
• Taking depositions
• Maintaining public peace (if required)

Although Henry was never called on to serve in law enforcement, his work was anything but ceremonial. He served purposefully by notarizing papers and even co-writing a Justice of the Peace guide utilized across the state.

"I was under legal obligation to enforce public peace legislation," he said, "but I was never in a position to be forced into active enforcement."


Henry’s impact extends beyond his judicial role
Henry's civic involvement went beyond the call of obligation. While in office, he testified in the Massachusetts state legislature regarding mental health reform and voting rights for children, topics he cares deeply about. His work as an advocate is part of a larger dedication to the public good and the rights of young voices in government.

Even though Henry resigned from his seat in February to seek out wider opportunities, he is unwavering in his commitment to public service. He will pursue law school, following the course of leadership and activism that he set at age 16. "It's not just a title – to be a Justice of the Peace is an opportunity to lead and make a difference," he stated. "At a young age, I showed that our generation has what it takes to do big things."




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