It served the municipalities of Nesseby, Tana, Karasjok, Porsanger and Kautokeino.

The court was led by the chief judge (Sorenskriver) Finn-Arne Schanche Selfors.

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.

The court was established by a recommendation to support the Sami language-speaking region of Finnmark.