The court served the part of the county located north of the Malangen fjord, plus the territory of Svalbard.

This included the municipalities of Tromsø, Karlsøy, Balsfjord, Storfjord, Gáivuotna–Kåfjord, Nordreisa, Skjervøy and Kvænangen (and Svalbard).

The court was led by the chief judge (Sorenskriver) Unni Sandbukt.

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.