World's Youngest Judge, world record set in Hingham, Massachusetts

June 3, 2025

Hingham, Massachusetts, United States--Henry Buckley, a native of Hingham, Massachusetts, worked alongside people double his age but did not let that stop him. He was inspired to work in public service as he grew up watching his grandfather, a prominent attorney and become a Justice of the Peace at 16 years and 3 days, setting the new world record for the World's Youngest Judge, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

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"Henry Buckley, a native of Hingham, Massachusetts, secured his place in the Guinness World Records at just 16 years old as he became the youngest Justice of Peace in the US," the Republic says.

"The politically-minded teenager worked alongside people double his age but did not let that stop him. He was inspired to work in public service as he grew up watching his grandfather, a prominent attorney who was active in Massachusetts state politics.

"Buckley was also very much influenced by the popular series - 'Andy Griffith Show.' The main character of the show, Andy Taylor was the town's beloved Sheriff and Justice of the Peace, "..And I wanted to play a similar role in my town, Hingham” - said the youngest Judge."

"The youngest judge (male) is 16 years 3 days, achieved by Henry Buckley (USA) in Hingham, Massachusetts, USA, on 23 August 2023, the Guinness World Records says.

"Henry applied for this position to prove the ability of youth to the government. He has used his platform to increase youth rights in civic engagement and reform in the mental health system."

"Though the journey to becoming a Justice of the Peace is complex, Massachusetts law places no age restriction on the position. Candidates must simply be registered voters and residents of the commonwealth, and a vacancy must exist. Henry met all the requirements, and after a detailed process, his appointment was confirmed," the Hindustan Times reports.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

"In a remarkable milestone, 16-year-old Henry Buckley from Hingham, Massachusetts, became the youngest Justice of the Peace in the United States in August 2023, earning a spot in the Guinness World Records," the Radio Tarana reports.

"Undeterred by his age, Henry worked alongside seasoned professionals, driven by a deep-rooted passion for public service—something he developed while watching his grandfather, a well-known attorney and active figure in Massachusetts politics.

"His achievement echoes that of Marc Griffin, who made history in 1974 by becoming the youngest judge in a U.S. state at age 17. Henry’s story marks yet another inspiring chapter in youth leadership and civic engagement."