https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/ 2026-06-28 monthly 1.0 https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/marc-griffin-youngest-judge-1974.webp Marc L. Griffin presiding as a 17-year-old Indiana judge in 1974 https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/guinness-world-records-youngest-judge-certificate-marc-griffin.jpg Guinness World Records certificate awarded to Marc L. Griffin stating he holds the record for Youngest Judge at age 17, appointed and commissioned as Justice of the Peace in Johnson County, Indiana, on February 19, 1974. https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/historical-record/ 2026-05-06 monthly 0.8 https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/guinness-world-records-youngest-judge-certificate-marc-griffin.jpg Guinness World Records certificate awarded to Marc L. Griffin stating he holds the record for Youngest Judge at age 17, appointed and commissioned as Justice of the Peace in Johnson County, Indiana, on February 19, 1974. https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-youngest-judge-guinness-record-2011.jpg Daily Journal front page, November 2, 2011: Lawyer holds Guinness record — Local attorney deemed youngest judge, by Tom Lange https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indiana-lawyer-youngest-judge-marc-griffin-2011.jpg Indiana Lawyer front page, November 9–22, 2011: Greenwood attorney is world's youngest judge, by Jennifer Nelson https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-youngest-jp-history-state-1974.jpg Daily Journal, February 20, 1974: Youngest JP in history of state? — Marc L. Griffin reviews state code book, by Terry Anderson https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-star-marryin-marc-new-jp-1974.jpg Indianapolis Star, February 21, 1974: Marryin' Marc, The New J.P., Found Job Right Out Of School, by Craig Ito https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-star-marryin-marc-new-jp-continued-1974.jpg Indianapolis Star, February 21, 1974: Marryin' Marc, The New J.P. — continued from page 1, detailing Griffin's court duties, civil and criminal jurisdiction, and plans to run in the May primary https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/upi-jp-too-young-to-marry-marc-griffin-1974.jpg Tipton County Tribune, 22 February 1974 (UPI): 'JP Is Too Young To Marry' — Marc T. Griffin of Greenwood, appointed Justice of the Peace for White River Township by the Johnson County commissioners, has to wait three months to marry without parental permission but expects to officiate several marriages while still 17; discusses Griffin's plans to lobby the Indiana Legislature to retain the JP court system, his income limits as township JP, and his registration for both the May primary and fall elections https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/wire-service-indiana-gets-17-year-old-jp-1974.jpg Judicature magazine, May 1974: Indiana Gets 17-year-old JP — Marc L. Griffin of Greenwood appointed Justice of the Peace, national publication of the American Judicature Society https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/governor-otis-bowen-commission-marc-griffin-justice-of-peace-1974.jpg Official commission from Governor Otis R. Bowen, M.D., State of Indiana, appointing Marc L. Griffin as Justice of the Peace, White River Township, Johnson County, Indiana, effective February 19, 1974 — bearing the Great Seal of Indiana and signatures of the Governor and Secretary of State https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/attorney-general-sendak-opinion-marc-griffin-justice-of-peace-1974.jpg News bulletin, March 1974: Indiana Attorney General Theodore Sendak issues opinion that a state official must be 21 years old to take an oath of office, in reference to the appointment of 17-year-old Marc Griffin as Justice of the Peace for White River Township, Johnson County https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-jp-too-young-griffin-says-no-sendak-says-yes-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 20 March 1974: 'JP too young? (Griffin says no; Sendak says yes)' — by Terry Anderson, Journal Staff Writer, with photo of Marc L. Griffin holding documents, reporting on Attorney General Theodore Sendak's opinion that Griffin is too young to serve as Justice of the Peace and Griffin's determination to remain in office https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-too-young-continued-marc-griffin-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 20 March 1974 (continued from front page): 'Too young?' — Marc Griffin states he will 'test' the Attorney General's opinion if challenged in court, stresses he filed because he saw a serious need for a Justice of the Peace, and warns that if removed he will prepare for elective office by age 21 https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-star-justice-of-peace-17-too-young-sendak-1974.jpg The Indianapolis Star, 20 March 1974: 'Justice Of Peace, 17, Too Young: Sendak' — by Robert P. Mooney, reporting Attorney General Theodore L. Sendak's opinion that the 26th Amendment does not supersede state age requirements for holding public office, in reference to Marc L. Griffin's appointment as Justice of the Peace in White River Township https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-star-justice-of-peace-17-too-young-sendak-continued-1974.jpg The Indianapolis Star, 20 March 1974 (continued from page 1): 'Justice Of Peace, 17, Too Young: Sendak' — Star photo by William A. Oates showing teen-ager Marc Griffin with State Senator Robert D. Garton at the Statehouse; Griffin calls the opinion merely advisory, says he will go to court to defend his position, and details his plans to open a single-room office at 9000 South Meridian Street https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/ap-upi-mulling-decision-marc-griffin-justice-of-peace-1974.jpg AP, UPI and Bee Photos, March 1974: 'Mulling Decision' — Justice of the Peace Marc L. Griffin of Greenwood, Indiana, at 17 the state's youngest public official, studies the Attorney General's decision citing him as too young to hold office; Griffin vows not to give up the post without a fight https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/star-press-muncie-sendak-says-youthful-jp-isnt-legal-1974.jpg The Star Press (Muncie, Indiana), 20 March 1974: 'Sendak Says Youthful JP Isn't Legal' — AP wire report that Attorney General Theodore L. Sendak advised Governor Otis R. Bowen that 17-year-old Marc L. Griffin, commissioned as White River Township Justice of the Peace, cannot legally hold office; notes Sendak's opinion is advisory and would not force Griffin from office unless challenged in court https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/arizona-daily-star-too-young-as-judge-headline-1974.jpg Arizona Daily Star (Tucson, Arizona), 21 March 1974: headline 'Too Young As Judge?' — wire service coverage of the Attorney General's opinion on Marc Griffin's appointment as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/monroe-news-star-justice-of-peace-ruled-too-young-1974.jpg The Monroe News Star (Monroe, Louisiana), 20 March 1974: headline 'Justice Of Peace Ruled Too Young' — wire service coverage of the Attorney General's ruling on Marc Griffin's appointment as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/central-nj-home-news-justice-of-peace-ruled-too-young-1974.jpg The Central New Jersey Home News (New Brunswick, New Jersey), 20 March 1974: headline '17-year-old jurist judged illegal official' — AP wire reprint reporting the Attorney General's opinion on Marc Griffin's appointment as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/fort-worth-star-telegram-jp-juvenile-of-the-peace-1974.jpg Fort Worth Star Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas), 20 March 1974: headline 'His Honor Only 17 — JP: Juvenile of the Peace?' — sensationalized wire service headline about Marc Griffin's appointment as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/miami-herald-jp-at-17-ruled-ineligible-1974.jpg The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida), 21 March 1974: headline 'JP at 17 Is Ruled Ineligible — Says He'll Try To Keep Office' — wire service coverage of the Attorney General's ruling on Marc Griffin's appointment as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/kokomo-tribune-young-justice-of-peace-vows-to-fight-ruling-1974.jpg The Kokomo Tribune (Kokomo, Indiana), 21 March 1974: headline 'Young justice of the peace vows to fight ruling' — wire service coverage of Marc Griffin's determination to challenge the Attorney General's opinion on his appointment https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/vincennes-sun-commercial-public-official-17-discovers-trouble-1974.jpg The Vincennes Sun Commercial (Vincennes, Indiana), 21 March 1974: headline 'Public Official, 17, Discovers Trouble' — wire service coverage of the controversy surrounding Marc Griffin's appointment as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/billings-gazette-problems-for-his-honor-1974.jpg The Billings Gazette (Billings, Montana), 21 March 1974: headline 'Problems for his honor' — wire service coverage of the legal controversy surrounding 17-year-old Marc Griffin's appointment as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/des-moines-tribune-worried-justice-marc-griffin-1974.jpg Des Moines Tribune (Des Moines, Iowa), 21 March 1974: headline 'Worried Justice' — wire service coverage of the legal challenge to 17-year-old Marc Griffin's appointment as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/lowell-sun-young-justice-of-peace-worries-about-own-legality-1974.jpg The Lowell Sun (Lowell, Massachusetts), 20 March 1974: headline 'Young justice of the peace worries about own legality' — wire service coverage of Marc Griffin's uncertain legal standing as the nation's youngest Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/missoulian-young-jp-frets-over-job-1974.jpg The Missoulian (Missoula, Montana), 21 March 1974: headline 'Young JP Frets Over Job' — wire service coverage of Marc Griffin's concerns over the Attorney General's challenge to his appointment as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/news-journal-wilmington-17-year-old-jp-challenged-big-worry-1974.jpg The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware), 20 March 1974: headline 'Justice blind, why not young? Indiana's Marc L. Griffin wonders — 17-Year-Old J.P. Challenged, And He Has Big Worry' — wire service coverage of the legal challenge to Marc Griffin's appointment as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/dayton-daily-news-jp-17-worries-about-1st-act-1974.jpg Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio), 20 March 1974: headline 'JP, 17, Worries About 1st Act' — wire service coverage of Marc Griffin's concern over the legality of his first official act as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/wilkes-barre-times-leader-official-act-worries-young-peace-justice-1974.jpg Wilkes-Barre Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania), 20 March 1974: headline 'Official Act Worries Young Peace Justice' — wire service coverage of Marc Griffin's concern over the validity of his official acts as the nation's youngest Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/lincoln-journal-star-young-jp-worried-marriage-not-valid-1974.jpg Lincoln Journal Star (Lincoln, Nebraska), 20 March 1974: headline 'Young JP Worried Marriage Not Valid' — wire service coverage of Marc Griffin's concern that a marriage he performed as Justice of the Peace may not be legally valid https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/los-angeles-times-wedding-on-his-conscience-justice-of-peace-17-1974.jpg The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California), 20 March 1974: headline 'Wedding On His Conscience — Justice of Peace, 17, Fears He's Not Legal' — wire service coverage of Marc Griffin's concern over the legality of a marriage he performed as the nation's youngest Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/press-sun-bulletin-binghamton-justice-17-hopes-wedded-to-job-1974.jpg Press and Sun Bulletin (Binghamton, New York), 20 March 1974: headline 'Justice, 17, Hopes He's Wedded to Job' — wire service coverage playing on Marc Griffin's performance of a marriage ceremony while his own legal standing as Justice of the Peace was in question https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/capital-times-madison-young-jp-challenged-is-marriage-for-real-1974.jpg The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin), 20 March 1974: headline 'Young JP Challenged — Is Marriage for Real?' — wire service coverage questioning the validity of a marriage performed by 17-year-old Marc Griffin as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/los-angeles-times-bride-old-enough-his-honor-wasnt-1974.jpg The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California), 21 March 1974: Newsmakers column headline 'Bride Was Old Enough — His Honor Wasn't' — wire service coverage of the irony that the bride Marc Griffin married was of legal age while the Justice of the Peace who performed the ceremony was not https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-county-attorney-defends-griffin-commissioners-confirm-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 25 March 1974: 'Commissioners confirm decision — County attorney defends Griffin' — County Attorney James B. Young contends Marc L. Griffin, 17, is legally entitled to hold office as Justice of the Peace; Griffin believes Sendak's opinion was an effort to block young people from political office; Commissioner McCarty praises Griffin as impressive; Griffin announces he will resume accepting cases https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-star-17-year-old-set-to-open-jp-office-1974.jpg The Indianapolis Star, 24 March 1974: '17-Year-Old Set To Open J.P. Office' — Marc Griffin announces he will open his office at 9000 South Meridian Street for docket listings and hold his first court sessions at 9 a.m. Saturday, approved by Johnson County commissioners and County Attorney James Young https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-griffin-opened-his-courtroom-saturday-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 9 April 1974: 'Griffin opened his courtroom Saturday' — Marc Griffin, 17-year-old Justice of the Peace, opens his courtroom in White River Township, handles two cases on his first day, appoints Richard Meyer as special constable, and announces Saturday sessions at 9000 South Meridian Street https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-condit-files-suit-against-county-election-board-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 18 April 1974: 'Questions candidacy of 17-year-old opponent — Condit files suit against county election board' — by Terry Anderson, Journal Staff Writer; Robert W. Condit, GOP opponent for Justice of the Peace, sues the Johnson County Election Board for registering Marc L. Griffin as a candidate in the May primary, citing Attorney General Sendak's opinion; the precedent-setting suit challenges the right of a registered voter to seek state office before age 21 https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-news-candidacy-of-17-year-old-jp-challenged-in-suit-1974.jpg The Indianapolis News, Friday, April 19, 1974: 'Preprimary Battle — Candidacy Of 17-Year-Old J.P. Challenged In Suit' — Special to The News from Franklin, Indiana; Robert W. Condit, 44, files suit in Johnson Superior Court challenging Marc L. Griffin's eligibility as a political candidate for the May 7 Republican primary; Griffin believed to be the youngest appointed official in Indiana history https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-okay-change-of-venue-suit-against-young-jp-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 19 April 1974: 'Okay change of venue in suit against young JP' — Johnson Superior Court grants change of venue in the Condit suit against the Election Board; County Attorney James B. Young defends Griffin's eligibility, noting no age requirement is listed in state law for candidates; five surrounding counties listed as possible trial sites https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-election-board-case-venued-to-shelby-county-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 29 April 1974: 'Election board case venued to Shelby county' — attorneys agree to Shelby County Circuit Court as the setting for the Condit suit; County Attorney James B. Young found no law placing an age requirement on the office; Attorney Thomas Strodtman notes the case will set a precedent for elections statewide; suit will likely not be resolved before the May primary https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-news-suit-on-jps-age-moved-to-shelby-1974.jpg The Indianapolis News, 30 April 1974: 'Suit On JP's Age Moved To Shelby' — Special to The News from Shelbyville, Indiana; attorneys agree to move venue from Johnson Circuit Court to Shelby Circuit Court in the suit over 17-year-old Marc Griffin's eligibility to seek public office; Condit cites Attorney General Sendak's opinion; Griffin is not a party to the suit https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-starke-county-minimum-age-court-case-too-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 1974: Special Journal Report — 'Starke county has minimum age court case, too' — Attorney General Sendak expected to respond to a Starke County complaint challenging his opinion on minimum age requirements; the case has direct bearing on the Condit suit against the Johnson County Election Board and Marc L. Griffin; after the election Griffin soundly defeated Condit; Griffin's lawyer George W. Martz notes the case could last beyond the November election https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-news-postprimary-ruling-in-teen-jps-case-1974.jpg The Indianapolis News, 6 May 1974: 'Postprimary Ruling In Teen JP's Case' — Special to The News from Shelbyville; no ruling expected before tomorrow's primary; Shelby Circuit Judge Robert Ellison schedules pretrial conference for June 7; photos of Griffin and Condit side by side; Griffin says he has been interested in politics since age 10 and is trying to prove to young people there is a reason to vote https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-court-will-not-take-action-griffin-suit-until-after-primary-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 7 May 1974: Special Journal Report from Shelbyville — 'Court will not take action on Griffin suit until after primary' — Shelby County Circuit Court will not act on the Condit suit challenging Marc L. Griffin's candidacy until after Tuesday's primary election; Judge Robert Ellison schedules pretrial conference for June 7; County Attorney Young disagrees with Sendak opinion, noting law books only require a justice of the peace be a registered voter and township resident https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-candidates-file-for-may-primary-marc-griffin-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 1 March 1974: 'Candidates file for May primary' — Marc L. Griffin, the 17-year-old Greenwood youth recently appointed White River Township Justice of the Peace by the Johnson County Commissioners, files for renomination on the Republican ticket; Griffin lives at 4070 Sunshine Way and is serving a term expiring December 31 https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-republican-slate-county-council-township-griffin-jp-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 23 March 1974: Johnson County township officials directory listing County Council members and all township officers — under White River Township shows Trustee Robert H. Kelso, Advisory Board members Maurice W. Kitchen, Arthur L. Wilder, and Justice of the Peace Marc L. Griffin; directory also lists officers for Blue River, Clark, Franklin, Hensley, Needham, Nineveh, Pleasant, and Union townships https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-candidates-night-gop-greenwood-marc-griffin-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, Thursday, April 25, 1974: 'Candidates' Night observed by GOP in Greenwood' — Marc Griffin, Justice of the Peace for White River Township, gives a short speech to the Greater Greenwood Republican Women's Club at the Greenwood Community House alongside other candidates for the May primary https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-candidates-continued-controversial-race-griffin-condit-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 27 April 1974 (continued from front page): 'Candidates' — describes the controversial race for White River Township Justice of the Peace between 17-year-old incumbent Marc Griffin, who will be 18 on May 25, and industrial executive Robert W. Condit https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-gop-primary-white-river-jp-race-griffin-condit-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 3 May 1974: 'GOP primary highlighted by White River JP race' by Al Stilley — photo shows incumbent Marc L. Griffin, left, who will be 18 on May 25, and challenger Robert Condit; article details the nationally publicized two-way Republican primary for White River Township Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-gop-primary-continued-condit-lawsuit-shelby-county-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 3 May 1974 (continued from front page): 'GOP primary' — reports that court proceedings on behalf of Condit will probably occur following the primary election, with the case venued into Shelby County https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-star-griffin-greenwood-gop-primary-condit-expected-to-win-1974.jpg The Indianapolis Star, 3 May 1974: Marc L. Griffin, 17, of Greenwood competes for the Republican White River Township Justice of the Peace nomination against Robert W. Condit, 44; observers note Condit is not impressing the party and Griffin is expected to win https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-gop-primary-races-ballot-listing-griffin-justice-of-peace-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 4 May 1974: 'GOP primary races' — ballot listing for Johnson County Republican primary showing Marc L. Griffin as candidate for Justice of the Peace, White River Township, alongside other local and county races https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-condit-campaign-ad-vote-man-with-experience-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 6 May 1974: Campaign advertisement for Robert W. Condit — 'Nominate Robert W. Condit, Your Republican Candidate for White River Township Justice of the Peace — Vote for a Man with Experience' https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/condit-campaign-handbill-vote-man-with-experience-white-river-jp-1974.jpg Campaign handbill, May 1974: 'Nominate Robert W. Condit, Your Republican Candidate for White River Township Justice of the Peace — Vote for a Man with Experience' — printed handbill with portrait photo of Condit https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-youthful-jp-wins-primary-griffin-defeats-condit-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 8 May 1974: 'Youthful JP wins primary' — 17-year-old Marc Griffin defeats Robert W. Condit 407 to 315 (56.3% to 43.6%) in the Republican primary for White River Township Justice of the Peace, winning all four precincts; Griffin calls it 'an honest vote and a clear indication the public wants me,' with the Condit lawsuit venued to Shelby County awaiting a June 7 hearing https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-young-jp-continued-griffin-strengthen-republican-party-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 8 May 1974 (continued from front page): 'Young JP' — Griffin says young people in politics would strengthen the Republican party, noting many have defected to the Democratic party feeling alienated; Democrats have not yet slated an opponent to Griffin in the November election https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-news-just-great-17-year-old-jp-victory-griffin-1974.jpg The Indianapolis News, 8 May 1974: 'Youngest in History? Just Great, 17-Year-Old J.P. Says After Victory' — Marc L. Griffin, believed to be the youngest appointed official in Indiana history, defeats Robert W. Condit 407–315 capturing all four White River Township precincts; Griffin calls his victory 'a real birthday present' and reports handling about 35 cases every Saturday and performing two marriages since taking office in February https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-jp-candidate-seeks-legal-battle-condit-griffin-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 11 May 1974: 'JP candidate seeks legal battle' by Terry Anderson — defeated opponent Robert W. Condit vows to continue his court battle against the Johnson County election board after losing to 17-year-old Marc Griffin 407–315; Condit says 'Why should I drop it? I'm totally in the right, I'll win'; suit venued to Shelby Circuit Court with pre-trial expected next https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-battle-continued-griffin-qualified-sendak-opinion-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 11 May 1974 (continued from front page): 'Battle' — Griffin says his election victory is 'a clear indication that the voters think I am qualified to serve'; Condit bases his suit on Attorney General Theodore Sendak's official opinion, issued at Governor Bowen's request, that laws did not allow anyone under 21 to hold elective office; Sendak's opinion was issued five days before the election board approved Griffin's filing https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-condit-claims-griffin-illegal-jp-candidate-amended-suit-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 23 May 1974: 'Condit claims Griffin illegal JP candidate' — Robert W. Condit amends his suit to charge Griffin is an illegal candidate for White River Township Justice of the Peace because he is under 21; Condit requests Judge Robert Ellison of Shelby Circuit Court be removed and asks the court to appoint him as the only eligible candidate; Griffin, represented by attorney George Martz, responds 'the governor knew how old I am when he appointed me' https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-star-teen-named-defendant-suit-challenging-right-jp-1974.jpg The Indianapolis Star, 24 May 1974: 'Teen Named Defendant In Suit Challenging His Right To Be J.P.' — Marc L. Griffin, 17, has been named a defendant in a suit by Robert W. Condit challenging his right to be White River Township Justice of the Peace in Johnson County; Condit requests the court enjoin Griffin from continuing in office and asks for a decision on whether anyone under 21 can legally hold public office; Attorney General Sendak's opinion said a 17-year-old could not hold public office but the Johnson County Commissioners said the opinion is not binding as law https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-news-young-jp-added-losers-lawsuit-griffin-condit-1974.jpg The Indianapolis News, 24 May 1974: 'Ruling on Age Asked — Young JP Added To Loser's Lawsuit' — with photos of both Griffin and Condit; Robert W. Condit amends his suit in Shelby Circuit Court to add Marc L. Griffin as a defendant, asking the court to enjoin the 17-year-old from continuing as Justice of the Peace and to appoint Condit as the 'only eligible candidate'; Griffin, who will be 18 tomorrow, calls the suit 'just some political move against me and it failed' https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-pretrial-hearing-date-set-jp-case-shelbyville-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 5 June 1974: 'Pre-trial hearing date set for JP case in Shelbyville' — the pre-trial hearing in Condit v. Johnson County Election Board and Marc L. Griffin has been postponed to June 27 in Shelby Circuit Court; Judge John W. Goddard named special judge after Condit asked Judge Robert Ellison be removed; Griffin described as the youngest appointed official in Indiana history https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-news-jp-trial-parley-scheduled-goddard-shelbyville-1974.jpg The Indianapolis News, 5 June 1974: 'JP Trial Parley Scheduled' — Special Judge John W. Goddard of Decatur Circuit Court has scheduled a pretrial conference for June 27 on the suit challenging the right of an 18-year-old to serve as Justice of the Peace; case transferred from Johnson County to Shelby Circuit Court; suit filed by Robert W. Condit challenges Griffin's right to serve as White River Township JP https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-jp-hearing-set-today-shelbyville-condit-griffin-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 27 June 1974: 'JP hearing set today' — a pre-trial hearing in the suit filed by Robert W. Condit against Marc L. Griffin and the Johnson County Election Board was scheduled in Shelby County Circuit Court before Judge W. Goddard; lawyers for the election board and Griffin are both expected to file a motion to dismiss on the grounds that no case exists against the defendants https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-judge-promises-ruling-october-1-condit-griffin-suit-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 28 June 1974: 'Judge promises ruling by October 1 on suit' — Special Judge John W. Goddard promises a decision before October 1 in the suit filed by Robert W. Condit against Marc L. Griffin and the Johnson County Election Board; Condit given two weeks to answer a motion to dismiss; defense attorneys argue no case can be presented to show the defendants violated the law; Griffin defeated Condit in the May primary winning all four precincts by 56.3% to 43.6% https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-star-hearing-friday-suit-challenging-teen-jp-griffin-1974.jpg The Indianapolis Star, Wednesday, August 7, 1974: 'Hearing Friday On Suit Challenging Teen J.P.' — a hearing on motions to dismiss the suit against 18-year-old Marc L. Griffin is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday in Shelby Circuit Court; Judge George B. Davis of Hancock Circuit Court named new special judge after Judge Goddard disqualified himself; defense attorneys filed joint motions for dismissal and summary judgment, contending Griffin was legally appointed and the law does not give age as a qualification for holding office https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-news-18-year-old-jp-acts-save-job-griffin-condit-1974.jpg The Indianapolis News, 7 August 1974: 'Older Challenger — 18-Year-Old J.P. Acts To Save Job' — with photos of both Griffin and Condit; hearing on motions to dismiss Condit's suit scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday in Shelby Circuit Court before Special Judge George B. Davis of Hancock Circuit Court, named after Judge Goddard disqualified himself; attorneys for Griffin and the election board have filed joint motions for dismissal and summary judgment https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-jp-hearing-slated-today-shelbyville-precedent-setting-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 8 August 1974: 'JP hearing slated today' — the precedent-setting case of Condit v. Johnson County Election Board and Marc L. Griffin could soon reach its conclusion with a hearing on motions to dismiss at 3 p.m. in Shelby Circuit Court before Special Judge George B. Davis; the case has attracted statewide interest and may answer whether 18-year-olds can hold elected office in Indiana; defense contends the law does not give age as a qualification for holding office https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-special-judge-hears-arguments-controversial-jp-case-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, Friday, August 9, 1974: 'Special judge hears arguments in controversial area JP case' by Terry Anderson — Special Judge George B. Davis heard arguments in the Shelby County Courthouse from seven attorneys and one reporter; Judge Davis said he would rule 'only on the legal basis of the case'; defense attorney George Martz cited a Minnesota precedent; election board attorney James Young said 'the constitution and statutes are silent about the age of a justice of the peace'; both sides agreed Griffin's official acts were totally legal https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-ruling-expected-candidacy-teen-jp-soon-davis-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 10 August 1974: 'Ruling Expected On Candidacy Of Teen J.P. Soon' — Special Judge George B. Davis of Hancock Circuit Court says he plans to rule on the motions to dismiss 'by midweek' after attorneys for the Johnson County Election Board and Marc L. Griffin presented their cases in Shelbyville; Robert W. Condit, 44, filed suit challenging Griffin's right to be a candidate for the November 5 election https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/kokomo-tribune-boy-18-eligible-justice-peace-court-rules-1974.jpg Kokomo Tribune, 14 August 1974: 'Boy, 18, eligible to be justice of peace, court rules' — headline announcing the court's landmark decision that 18-year-old Marc L. Griffin is legally eligible to serve as Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/vidette-messenger-teen-okayed-as-candidate-griffin-1974.jpg Vidette Messenger of Porter County, 14 August 1974: 'Teen Okayed As Candidate' — headline reporting the court ruling that cleared 18-year-old Marc L. Griffin to remain a candidate for Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/noblesville-ledger-candidate-18-ruled-eligible-griffin-1974.jpg The Noblesville Ledger, 14 August 1974: 'Candidate, 18, Ruled Eligible' — headline reporting the court decision that 18-year-old Marc L. Griffin is eligible to be a candidate for Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/muncie-evening-press-teen-ruled-eligible-jp-candidate-griffin-1974.jpg Muncie Evening Press, 14 August 1974: 'Teen Ruled Eligible To Be JP Candidate' — headline reporting the court ruling that cleared Marc L. Griffin to remain on the ballot as a candidate for Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/indianapolis-star-teen-jp-wins-fight-put-on-ballot-griffin-1974.jpg The Indianapolis Star, 14 August 1974: 'Teen J.P. Wins Fight To Be Put On Ballot' — Hancock Circuit Court Judge George B. Davis, acting as special judge, granted a summary judgment declaring Marc L. Griffin eligible to be a candidate for White River Justice of the Peace in the November election; Robert W. Condit, 44, of Greenwood had filed suit challenging Griffin's right because he is not 21 https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-ruling-judge-favors-young-jp-griffin-eligible-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 14 August 1974: 'Ruling by judge favors young JP' — Special Judge George B. Davis rules that Marc L. Griffin's name will appear on the November ballot; Davis ruled 'persons 18 years old are now electors in Indiana and are eligible for the office of Justice of the Peace,' citing the 26th Amendment; the judge upheld Griffin's declaration of candidacy, voter qualification, and primary victory over Condit https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-ruling-continued-davis-no-age-requirement-precedent-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 14 August 1974 (continued from front page): 'Ruling' — Judge Davis stated 'No place in the Indiana Constitution is there any specific requirement that Justices of the Peace must be 21 years old'; the decision is described as a precedent-setting one, particularly for setting an age limit to hold office as a Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-county-election-slate-completed-griffin-hunter-jp-race-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 4 September 1974: 'County election slate completed' — Marc L. Griffin, 4070 Sunshine Way, Greenwood, the youngest person ever appointed a Justice of the Peace in Indiana, will be opposed in the November election by Democrat Michael A. Hunter in the race for White River Township Justice of the Peace https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-township-races-griffin-vs-hunter-white-river-jp-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 9 September 1974: 'Township races' — ballot listing for the November general election showing White River Twp. Justice of the Peace: Marc L. Griffin, R-Greenwood, vs. Michael A. Hunter, D-Greenwood https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-two-teenagers-ballot-justice-peace-griffin-hunter-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 18 October 1974: Two teen-agers will be on the ballot for Justice of the Peace in White River Township — Marc L. Griffin, 18-year-old Republican appointed JP in February by the Johnson County Commissioners, faces Democrat Michael A. Hunter, 19, a precinct committeeman employed with Dollco Electric Company in Indianapolis https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-candidates-johnson-county-general-election-griffin-hunter-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 25 October 1974: 'Candidates in Johnson county' — full list of contested races in the general election including White River JP: Marc L. Griffin-R vs. Michael A. Hunter-D, alongside races for U.S. Senator (Lugar vs. Bayh), Secretary of State, and other county and township offices https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-griffin-defeats-hunter-22-votes-youngest-elected-official-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 6 November 1974: In the precedent-setting contest for White River Township Justice of the Peace, 18-year-old Republican incumbent Marc Griffin defeated his 19-year-old opponent Michael Hunter by a slim 22-vote margin; the victory added to Griffin's set of firsts — youngest appointed official in Indiana history, youngest to win a primary contest, and now the youngest elected official in the history of the state https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-total-county-vote-tally-griffin-white-river-jp-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 6 November 1974: 'Here's total county vote' — final tally of all Johnson County races in the general election including White River Twp. Justice of the Peace showing Marc L. Griffin's victory; candidates who carried the county are indicated with asterisks https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-new-years-eve-wedding-courthouse-griffin-jp-1974.jpg The Daily Journal, 31 December 1974: 'New Year's Eve wedding planned at courthouse' — Philip Amoruso of Chicago and Jean Motsinger of Indianapolis will be married by White River Township Justice of the Peace Marc L. Griffin at precisely midnight on the Johnson County Courthouse steps, making it the first marriage of the year https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-first-wedding-year-griffin-officiates-courthouse-1975.jpg The Daily Journal, 2 January 1975: 'First wedding of the year' — photo shows White River Township Justice of the Peace Marc L. Griffin, far left, officiating the midnight wedding of Philip Amoruso of Chicago and Jean Motsinger of Indianapolis on the steps of the Johnson County Courthouse, making them the first wedded couple of 1975 in the county and possibly the state https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/daily-journal-jp-court-report-white-river-township-griffin-cases-1975.jpg The Daily Journal, 5 May 1975: 'JP Court report from White River township' — list of persons recently appearing before Judge Marc L. Griffin in the White River Township Justice of the Peace Court, including speeding and moving violation cases with fines and court costs https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/griffin-justice-of-peace-business-card-badge-johnson-county-indiana.jpg Artifacts from the White River Township Justice of the Peace Court: Marc L. Griffin's official business card reading 'Marc L. Griffin, Justice of the Peace, White River Township, State Road 37, Pleasant Center, Greenwood, Indiana 46142, Phone (317) 888-7700' alongside his Johnson County Justice of the Peace badge bearing the seal of the State of Indiana https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/certificate-justice-of-peace-marc-griffin-johnson-county-indiana-1975.jpg Certificate of Justice of the Peace, State of Indiana, County of Johnson: Frances Melton, Clerk of the Johnson Circuit Court, certifies that Marc L. Griffin is a duly commissioned, qualified, and acting Justice of the Peace for the Township of White River, County of Johnson; term expires 31 December 1978; signed and sealed at Franklin, Indiana, 15 April 1975 https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/assets/rockport-democrat-jurymen-failed-agree-white-river-jp-court-1908.jpg Rockport Democrat, May 1, 1908, page 3: 'Jurymen Failed to Agree' — Franklin, Indiana, April 28: the jurymen failed to agree in the case of M. J. Fleming, principal of the Greenwood high school, charged with whipping Dale Perry, the fourteen-year-old son of Robert Perry, with unnecessary severity; the case was tried before a Justice of the Peace in White River Township on a change of venue; jury stood nine for acquittal and three for conviction and were discharged https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/is-a-justice-of-the-peace-a-judge/ 2026-05-08 monthly 0.7 https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/massachusetts-justice-of-the-peace-duties/ 2026-06-10 monthly 0.7 https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/judicial-officer-label/ 2026-06-10 monthly 0.7 https://worldsyoungestjudge.com/when-guinness-world-records-gets-it-wrong/ 2026-06-28 monthly 0.7