It hears criminal, civil, and family law cases, as well as appeals from various administrative boards and tribunals.

[1][2] As a "Superior Court" under section 96 of the federal Constitution Act, 1867, Court of Appeal judges are appointed by the Governor-General of Canada (in practical terms, the Prime Minister of Canada).

Appointees must be members of the Manitoba bar, but need not have had previous experience as a judge.

However, appointees almost always have some experience as a judge, usually on the Manitoba Court of King's Bench.

From 1872 to 1906, the Chief Justice was seated in the Court of Queen’s/King's Bench, which held appellate jurisdiction.