Who is the youngest black judge?

Asked by: Chaim Roberts  |  Last update: April 2, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (27 votes)

While there isn't one definitive title, Jasmine Twitty (appointed 2015 at age 25) is often cited as the youngest judge ever appointed in the U.S. at the municipal level, while Hanif Johnson (elected 2017 at age 27) became Pennsylvania's youngest elected judge, and Kyra Harris Bolden (sworn 2023 at 34) is Michigan's youngest and first Black woman Supreme Court Justice, highlighting historic young Black judges across different courts.

Who is the famous black judge on TV?

Judge Joe Brown is the first African-American man to preside over a courtroom television show and the first African-American person to preside over a long-running courtroom series.

Who is the youngest Justice currently?

Amy Vivian Coney Barrett (born January 28, 1972) is an American lawyer and jurist serving since 2020 as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Who was the first black judge in America?

William Henry Hastie, Jr. William Henry Hastie, Jr. was the first African American to be appointed as a federal district court judge and also the first African American to be appointed as a federal appellate judge. Hastie was also the first African American Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Who is the most powerful judge in America?

The most powerful judge in the United States is generally considered to be the Chief Justice of the United States, currently John G. Roberts, Jr., because he leads the Supreme Court, heads the entire federal judiciary, and holds significant influence in shaping legal precedent and the Court's direction, even if his vote is just one of nine. His power comes from judicial leadership, managing close cases, and influencing the institutional reputation of the Supreme Court.
 

“Fix This And I’ll Give You $100M” the CEO Mocked — But the Maid’s Daughter Solved It Instantly

22 related questions found

Which TV judge is not a real judge?

No TV judge is a real judge in the sense that they are presiding over an actual court; they are arbitrators or adjudicators in reality TV shows, handling small claims disputes outside the official court system, with figures like Judge Judy (Judith Sheindlin), Judge Mathis, and Judge Jerry (Jerry Springer)** acting as mediators for real cases after parties sign arbitration agreements, making their rulings binding but not part of a state or federal court. 

Is becoming a judge harder than a lawyer?

Yes, becoming a judge is generally much harder than becoming a lawyer because it requires years of successful legal practice, navigating political hurdles (election or appointment), and facing intense competition for a limited number of spots, whereas becoming a lawyer primarily requires law school and passing the bar exam, making the path to judgeship a significantly more difficult, specialized, and selective career progression. 

Who is the youngest ever Supreme Court judge?

In his time, he was the youngest Advocate General, the youngest Chief Justice of a High Court and the youngest Judge of the Supreme Court of India. Justice Hidayatullah was sworn in as the Acting President of India on 20th July 1969 and served in that capacity till late V.V.

Who is the 24 year old judge?

Namrata S. Hosmath became recognized as Karnataka's youngest civil judge at age 24, after passing the civil judge exam on her first attempt, j.

How old must you be to be a judge?

There's no mandatory retirement age for U.S. federal judges, including Supreme Court Justices, who serve for life, but many states have mandatory retirement ages, often between 70 and 90, though some allow extensions or have eliminated limits, with the debate focusing on balancing experience with fitness for duty. State judicial retirement ages vary widely, from 70 (like Louisiana, though recently debated for increase) to 90 (Vermont), while federal judges can opt for "senior status" after meeting age and service requirements (like the Rule of 80). 

Who has more authority than a judge?

While judges hold significant authority in court, others wield different forms of power, including Legislators (Congress) who make laws judges interpret, the President who enforces them and appoints judges, Prosecutors (DAs) who heavily influence case outcomes through charging decisions, and even Juries who determine facts, all operating within a system of checks and balances where power is distributed, not absolute.
 

Why didn't Obama get to nominate a Supreme Court judge?

With the death of Antonin Scalia in February 2016 in the beginning of a presidential election year, the Republican majority in the Senate made it their stated policy to refuse to consider any nominee to the Supreme Court, arguing that the next president should be the one to appoint Scalia's replacement.

Who is the greatest judge of all time?

The Greatest Judges of All Time: the Titans who defied history

  • RUTH BADER GINSBURG (UNITED STATES, 1933-2020)
  • THURGOOD MARSHALL (UNITED STATES, 1908-1993)
  • LOUIS BRANDEIS (UNITED STATES, 1856-1941)
  • JEAN-JACQUES CAMBACÉRÈS (FRANCE, 1753-1824)
  • SALADIN (MIDDLE EAST, 1137-1193)
  • THE ENDURING LEGACY: WHEN COURAGE CONQUERS FEAR.

Who is the famous black judge?

Thoroughgood "Thurgood" Marshall (July 2, 1908 – January 24, 1993) was an American civil rights lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1967 until 1991. He was the Supreme Court's first African-American justice.

Who is the black female judge?

The First Black Woman to Serve on the supreme court in united States of America. Ketanji Brown Jackson (born September 14, 1970, Washington, D.C.) is an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 2022.

What is the youngest judge ever?

At the age of 25, Jasmine Twitty is the youngest person ever to be sworn is as a judge in the town of Easley, South Carolina. Yes, you read that right: A JUDGE.

How much do justices get paid?

Justice salaries vary significantly by court level (federal/state/local) and jurisdiction, with U.S. Supreme Court justices earning over $300k (Chief Justice) or $285k+ (Associate Justices) as of early 2024, while state/local judges earn less, often starting around $160k-$230k, with potential for higher pay with experience or in higher courts, though federal salaries are generally highest, with adjustments for cost-of-living. 

Who is the longest serving justice right now?

Justice Clarence Thomas. Justice Clarence Thomas joined the U.S. Supreme Court on October 23, 1991, replacing Justice Thurgood Marshall. He is the longest-serving current Justice by a wide margin, and he is the only current Justice who took his seat before 2000. Thomas was born in Georgia on June 23, 1948.