Hon. Malcolm Leslie Bishop KC was officially sworn in yesterday morning as the new Lord Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and President of the Land Court of Tonga.
The formal ceremony took place in the Cabinet Room, where Hon. Bishop took his oath of office, marking the beginning of his tenure.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku and members of the Cabinet.
The appointment of Hon. Bishop has raised concerns particularly toward Bishop’s openness about his sexual orientation and his recognition as an LGBTQ hero by Barrister and TV personality Rob Rinder. Rinder praised Bishop for being an “out gay barrister” and a role model in the legal community.
Malcolm Bishop’s career spans over half a century, beginning in 1972 when he co-founded 30 Park Place chambers, which has since grown to be the largest in Wales.
The Supreme Court of Tonga, headed by the Lord Chief Justice, is the highest court in the country, hearing criminal and civil cases and serving as an appellate court.
The appointment of Supreme Court Justices, including the Lord Chief Justice, is made by the King, typically from foreign nationals of Commonwealth jurisdictions.
