The Tongan Court of Appeal 2009 Session, which begins on Monday, June 29, will hear 21 appeal cases, probably the most made in the history of a Court of Appeal Session.

The Appeal Judges for this year are Mr Justice James Burchett, Mr Justice Peter Salmon, and Mr Justice Michael Moore, with Tonga's Chief Justice Anthony Ford as Chairman.

During the two-weeks session the judges will preside over including 10 civil, seven criminals and two land appeal cases with one divorce appeal and one appeal from the Magistrate's Court.

The seven criminal cases include the appeal by People's Representatives 'Akilisi Pohiva, 'Isileli Pulu, William Clive Edwards, 'Uliti Uata and a former PR Lepolo Taunisila against a decision made by Justice Andrew in March this year, granting Crown the right to file amended indictments against them.

The six remaining cases are Pisima'ake v Crown, Azuelo v Crown, Siosiua Po'oi Pohiva v Crown, Pouvalu v Crown, Kami v Crown and Langi v Crown.

The 10 civil cases are appeals made by Hurrell v Naufahu, Fonua v Tonga Communication Corporation, Government of Tonga v Malafu, Tu'ivai and Tonga Development Bank, To'a v Naufahu/Government of Tonga, Lolohea v Government of Tonga, Hoar v Pacific Island Resorts/Du Bois, Hottsie Anne Co Ltd v ANZ, Moehau v Pacific Stores Ltd, and Siosiua Po'oi Pohiva v Rob Solomon.

There are only two land cases, consisting of an appeal by 'Alifeleti Mone/Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga v Paane regarding the Free Wesleyan Church property at Halaleva, the other is Rush v Parrish.

One divorce appeal will be heard between Matai'ulua Fusitu'a v Hon Lupepau'u Tuita against a decision made by Chief Justice Anthony Ford regarding custody issues. There is also an appeal made from the Magistrate's Court between Malupo v Government of Tonga.

The Court of Appeal will pass judgments on Friday, July 10.

Attorney General

At the same time the Attorney General John Cauchi will be appointed to the ranks of Senior Counsel at a special sitting on Monday, June 29 in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

The special session will also welcome the Court of Appeal 2009 Session.