George G. Belt assumed his duties as "judge of the first instance" in October 1849, succeeded by Benjamin Williams under the election of March 1850.

[2]: 80–81  The Court of Sessions held its first meeting on June 3, 1850, Judge Williams presiding with associate justices Harrison Amyx and O.C.

[3]: 191–196  A tax of 1⁄4% was enacted to raise funds for the court house and city hall, which was designed by Ayres and Higgins in 1853.

A time capsule that had been buried there in 1897 was opened on July 8, 1961, but the papers contained had been destroyed by humidity and the coins were of low value.

"[8] Some elements of the building were saved and moved, including the doors for the county board of supervisors public meeting room.

[13]: 3  The third courthouse was designed by the local Stockton firm of Mortenson & Hollstein and the landscape architect was Donald Crump.

[13] The fountain at Hunter Square was moved to a roundabout at Miner Avenue and San Joaquin Street.