The French Romanesque building is located on the corner of La Trobe and Russell streets in the Melbourne central business district.

It was opened on 20 January 1914,[1] and served the City for 81 years, before a new Magistrates' Court building was opened on William Street in 1995. Notable trials conducted at the court include that of Squizzy Taylor[1] Courthouses have occupied the site since 1843.

[1] RMIT also acquired the Former City Watch-house, located next to the Court, and together they form Building 20.

A notable feature of the District Court is the historic wooden canopy located over the seat upon which the Magistrate sits in the main courtroom.

[1] The canopy was taken from old Supreme Court which had originally been located at the site.