[2] A modern courthouse complex stands nearby, which now houses most of the county's judicial functions.

It is set on a grassy quadrangle on the north side of United States Route 301, with other 18th-century buildings nearby that make up the Hanover County Courthouse Historic District.

It is laid out in a T shape, with the courtroom in the rear-projecting leg of the T, the judge's quarters on the left side, and a jury room on the right.

[5] In 1763, Patrick Henry, who lived and practiced law in Hanover County, argued the case of the Parson's Cause, involving King George III's veto of local legislation changing tax rates for the support of local Anglican ministry despite their objections and those of the House of Burgesses.

Henry, representing the county, accused the King of tyranny in overturning colonial law without regard to the wishes of his subjects.