1839: First written code of law for Tonga

The unity that resulted helped Tonga to retain its independence during the period of European colonisation of the Pacific. Another factor that helped in this regard was the promulgation, with the help of the missionaries, of the first written code of law for Tonga in 1839. The code limited the power of the chiefs and consolidated the King’s position (Düring 1990).

The European Connection with Tonga,   James Bade, http://www.eucnetwork.org.nz/activities/conference/conference_auckland_06/docs/jbade.p