It had jurisdiction over the central part of the county which included the municipalities of Hjelmeland, Kvitsøy, Randaberg, Sola, Stavanger, and Strand.

The court was led by the chief judge (Sorenskriver) Tor Christian Carlsen.

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 established on 1 January 1920 to serve the city of Stavanger.