It served the Salten area which included the municipalities of Beiarn, Bodø, Fauske, Gildeskål, Meløy, Røst, Saltdal, Steigen, Sørfold, and Værøy.

It also held jurisdiction over the outlying territory of Jan Mayen.

The court was led by the chief judge (Sorenskriver) Ingrid Johanne Lillevik.

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.