The court was based at the Fosen Tinghus in the town of Brekstad in Ørland Municipality.

It had jurisdiction over the municipalities of Ørland, Bjugn, Frøya, Hitra, Indre Fosen, Osen, Roan, and Åfjord.

[1][2] The court was last led by the acting chief judge (Sorenskriver) Leif Otto Østerbø.

Its judicial duties were mainly to settle criminal cases and to resolve civil litigation as well as bankruptcy.

The administration and registration tasks of the court included death registration, issuing certain certificates, performing duties of a notary public, and officiating civil wedding ceremonies.