The court was originally established in 1591 as District Court () in 1591. The court initially covered the current municipalities of
Fyresdal,
Tokke, and
Vinje. On 28 August 1714 the District Court () was dissolved and its geographical jurisdiction was divided between neighboring courts. At that time
Seljord,
Nissedal, and
Kviteseid became part of this court. On 17 December 1756, the areas of
Hjartdal and
Gransherad were transferred from the
Nedre Telemark District Court to this one. On 21 December 1832, the old District Court was re-established (it had been dissolved in 1714). At that time, Seljord, Hjartdal, and Gransherad were moved to the newly re-established court. ==References==