The superior court of first instance under Clause 84 of the Constitution of 1875, one of the oldest written constitutions still in force in the Pacific. It hears serious crime, high-value civil claims and constitutional challenges, and reviews administrative action. Judges are frequently appointed from other Commonwealth jurisdictions.
How the court is constituted
- Tier
- first instance
- Court type
- Superior court of general jurisdiction
- Jurisdiction
- Unlimited original jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters, constitutional questions, judicial review, and appeals from the Magistrates' Courts.
- Seat
- Nukuʻalofa
- Established
- 1875
- Composition
- The Lord Chief Justice and judges of the Supreme Court, sitting alone or with a jury in serious criminal trials.
- Appointment
- Appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel.
- Languages
- Tongan, English
Where an appeal goes next
Appeal to the Court of Appeal of Tonga.
Filing at this court
- Civil claim
- General limitation of six years under the Supreme Court Act
- Judicial review
- Application to be made promptly
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