Honourable Acting Justice Elisapeti Makoni Langi
Tonga
Acting Justice Elisapeti Makoni Langi is a trailblazing figure in the Tongan judiciary, recognized for her historic appointments and dual-role service. Based on the island of Vava’u, she currently holds a unique position as both an Acting Supreme Court Judge and a Senior Magistrate—making her the first person in Tonga’s history to serve in both courts simultaneously.
Professional Milestones
Justice Langi has broken several glass ceilings throughout her career:
· Royal Appointment: In September 2020, she became the first woman appointed by His Majesty King Tupou VI to serve as an Acting Judge of the Supreme Court.
· International Recognition: She holds the distinction of being the first Tongan woman (and the second Pacific Islander) to be appointed as Counsel of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
· Judicial Firsts: Her dual tenure in the Supreme and Magistrate’s courts sets a new precedent for judicial service in the Kingdom.
Personal Life & Interests
Beyond the bench, Justice Langi is a devoted wife and a mother of six children. Her professional interest in the law extends into her personal downtime; she is an avid reader of crime novels and enjoys watching crime investigation documentaries.
