Latest news with #ofthePeace
Time of India
03-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
16-year-old Henry Buckley becomes the US' youngest male judge, recognised by Guinness World Records
Source: 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. " Also Read | World's richest family 'The Waltons' wealth surpasses the GDP of Greece, Hungary and Iran
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Meet the Massachusetts teen who made history as youngest male judge in the US at 16: ‘People have trouble believing'
In a historic achievement that has inspired many, a teenager from Hingham, Massachusetts, became the youngest male judge in the United States. At just 16 years and three days old, Henry Buckley was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace, serving alongside officials more than twice his age, reported Guinness World Records. 'People still have trouble believing me when I tell them that I was a Justice of the Peace, which is understandable,' Henry told Guinness World Records. The high school student, passionate about public service, was not deterred by his age. Henry had been politically inclined from an early age, influenced by his grandfather, a well-known attorney active in Massachusetts politics. His other major inspiration came from television. '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,' he shared, referring to The Andy Griffith Show. 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. '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.' Justice of the Peace appointees typically serve for seven years, performing a range of duties such as notarizing documents, conducting marriages, taking depositions, and even maintaining public order if required. 'Although I was never called upon to take bail or hear criminal complaints, it was within my purview,' Henry explained. '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'.' His commitment extended beyond administrative tasks. Henry testified before the Massachusetts legislature on youth voting rights and mental health reform, issues he deeply cares about. Also read: CEO shares deceptively simple interview question he's asked for 15 years: 'Apple or Android?' Though he stepped down from his role in February to explore other public service avenues, Henry remains dedicated to his community and aims to attend law school. '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,' he said. 'As a young person, I was able to prove that we, the up and coming generation, can do anything.'
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Yahoo
Humza Yousaf's brother-in-law drove into cyclist in uninsured car
The brother-in-law of former Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf has been fined £450 for colliding with a cyclist while driving an uninsured car. Ramsay El-Nakla, a father-of three from Dundee, was doing the school run on June 12 last year when he failed to stop at a red light and crashed into bike rider James Clunie, 59, who suffered minor injuries. At Dundee's Justice of the Peace Court on Tuesday, lawyers argued that losing his licence would 'cause hardship' to El-Nakla, who receives £1,400 per month on universal credit and disability payments and needs a car 'to help with the family'. El-Nakla, 37, claimed he had lost his mobile phone on holiday and was unaware his insurance policy had been cancelled. He admitted to driving carelessly and failing to slow when approaching a red light, failing to keep a proper lookout, and colliding with a stationary bicycle causing Mr Clunie to fall off. He also admitted having no insurance, but the Crown dropped a further charge of having no MOT certificate. Ewan Chalmers, fiscal depute, told the court: 'He has gone into the rear of the complainer's pushbike, which caused the complainer to be thrown off the bike, landing on the bonnet of the car, before falling to the ground. 'The complainer sustained a small cut to a finger on his right hand and minor pain in his back. The accused remained at the scene for 20 minutes to assist and passed on his details. Police checks were carried out on the accused's vehicle and showed it had no insurance.' Annika Jethwa, mitigating, said: 'In relation to having no insurance, he had gone to Ireland to visit family and had broken his phone, and did not receive messages about the direct debit failing. 'He had had difficulties during the year and it was the policy of the company to cancel if there was a third payment failure. He has been driving since he was 19 and has never had insurance issues.' She added: 'He has a record, but it is not the worst. This was the combination of a few factors at the time. There would be hardship caused to the family if he was disqualified.' William Morrison, a Justice of the Peace, ordered El-Nakla to clear the fine at £40 per month and imposed six penalty points on his driving licence. He said: 'It is an unfortunate incident but it is indicative of a period of inattention, a momentary lapse, and I accept that. Nevertheless, there was injury – albeit minor – and the cyclist ought to have been protected.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Reverend, a slave, and the Black Heritage Trail of NH
About a year ago, Athenaeum Proprietor Kinley Gregg donated a remarkable manuscript document from 1774. Kinley is a scholar who keeps an eye on auctions for items that might be important for the Athenaeum's collections. The seller described the document as simply: a letter from a lawyer to a legatee regarding the estate of his father – seemingly dull stuff. A deeper evaluation of the subjects and the people named in the letter was anything but dull. Firstly, the writer, Samuel Penhallow (1722-1813), was Justice of the Peace who is lauded for signing the manumission papers of many slaves freed by their owners. His house was originally at the corner of Pleasant and Court streets and now is preserved on Washington Street, where it is undergoing extensive restoration and climate change mitigation by Strawbery Banke Museum. In its original location, the Penhallow house was next door to the house of the deceased, Rev. Arthur Browne (1699-1773), on what is now Court Street. More: Great Depression-era Black family's life revived at Strawbery Banke Rev. Browne was a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, and was called to be the first Anglican minister of Queen's Chapel, Portsmouth, now St. John's Church. In addition to being the spiritual leader of the town's substantial Anglican community, Rev. Browne was a social reformer. In 1750, he donated the large library sent with him by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel to found New Hampshire's first circulating library, the Portsmouth Social Library. Unlike Benjamin Franklin's original circulating library of 1731, Browne's library had a greater purpose than merely the education and edification of its members; the membership fees went directly to support a public work house, which was built just west of Browne's house in 1755. A work house was a place for the indigent and indebted to learn a trade and earn money to get back on their feet. The long-term clerk of the Social Library was Browne's neighbor, Samuel Penhallow. The letter is addressed to Capt. Arthur Browne Jr. (1743-1827), the third son of Rev. Arthur and Mary Cox. He was a career military man, who first enlisted at age 16. At the time of his father's death he was stationed at Gibraltar with his Majesty's 58th Regiment. Capt. Browne was predeceased by his two older brothers, Thomas and Marmaduke, which made him the primary heir. The letter does mention estate shares given to Arthur Jr.'s sisters, Jane and Elizabeth. Jane had married lawyer and politician Samuel Livermore (1732-1803). As a member of the 2nd U.S. Congress in 1793, Livermore was one of only seven representatives to vote against the Fugitive Slave Act. Elizabeth had married the illustrious but controversial Maj. Robert Rogers (1731-1795), recognized as the founder of the modern Army Rangers service. Penhallow writes about the disposition of the reverend's estate, including selling his house in Court Street to Oliver Whipple to pay the executors and shares to Jane and Elizabeth. Of the captain's share, he writes: 'the next night some evil minded person or persons Broke into my House who took Stole and carried away the whole of that money.' One might question the veracity of the story, told to Capt. Browne, a soldier who would almost certainly never return to Portsmouth. He then recounts family news, including the disturbing fate of Rev. Browne's slave, Jesse. He states: 'Jesse grew so troublesome that neither Mr. Livermore nor Mrs. Rogers could keep him that the Executors were obliged to dispose of him and sold him last Fall to One Capt. Thompson in a ship bound to the West Indies.' Thomas Thompson's ships, Martha and Maria made regular trips to the Caribbean carrying lumber and whale oil. The customs records do not list Jesse because he would have been treated as the personal property of Capt. Thompson. The sale of Jesse to Capt. Thompson was effectively a death sentence. If Jesse managed to survive the treacherous sea voyage, the life expectancy for a slave on a sugar plantation was five to seven years. Just two years later, Capt. Thompson took command of the USS Raleigh as one of the founders of the Continental Navy during the Revolution. The amazing thing about Gregg's 200-year-old manuscript is that it documents a progressive minister, two worldly-wise justices, a colonial military pioneer, and a founder of the American Navy, each failing to apply their Christian grace, moral judgment, personal courage and devotion to liberty to a man they all knew well, Jesse. This does not negate the laudable achievements of these historical figures, but sheds a powerful light on our human condition: a strongly held societal belief can lead even extraordinary people to accept abject evil as normal and unchangeable. The final twist to the story is that, thanks to an act of grace and courage by a modern lawyer, Jack McGee, the home site of Rev. Browne, his children, and Jesse, is now the home of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire (222 Court St.). You can follow the important work of the good people at BHTNH by visiting The Portsmouth Athenaeum, 9 Market Square, is a nonprofit membership library founded in 1817. It has 40,000-plus volumes, and an archive of local history materials. The photographic collection contains over 36,000 images available for viewing at The Shaw Research Library and Randall Gallery are open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 1-4 p.m. For more information, go to the website or call 603-431-2538. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Reverend, a slave, and the Black Heritage Trail of NH
