It had jurisdiction over the southern part of the county which included the municipalities of Kristiansand, Bykle, Valle, Bygland, Evje og Hornnes, Iveland, Vennesla, Birkenes, Lillesand, Lindesnes, and Åseral.

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.

[2] This court was originally established in 1643 to serve the town of Christianssand.

On 1 January 1992, the old Setesdal District Court was closed and the municipalities of Bykle, Valle, Bygland, Evje og Hornnes, Iveland, and Vennesla were added to this court's jurisdiction.