The State of Goa, covering an area of 3701 sq. kms. is divided now into two Districts, the District of North Goa with Head quarters at Panaji and the District of South Goa with Head quarters at Margao. The North Goa District comprises the talukas of Tiswadi, Bardez, Pernem, Bicholim, Sattari and Ponda, while Talukas of Salcete, Mormugao, Quepem, Sanguem and Canacona form South Goa District.
The District Court which came into existence in November, 1963 and became a full- fledged District Court when the Goa, Daman & Diu (Civil Courts) Act, 1965, was enacted, and the Civil Procedure Code 1908 was brought into force in the territory from 15th June, 1966. It is the Principal Court of civil jurisdiction in the district within the meaning of Civil Procedure Code, 1908, or any other law for the time being in force. It is also a court of appeal from all decrees and orders passed by the district courts from which an appeal lies under any law for the time being in force.
The Civil Court Act provides for appointment of Additional District Judges to the District Court invested with co-extensive power and concurrent jurisdiction with the District Judge.
Courts of Civil Judge, Sr. Division, are set up at each Taluka place in Tiswadi, Bardez, Bicholim and Ponda, while a court of Civil Judge, Jr. Division functions in Pernem and Sattari.
In the South Goa District, there are courts of Civil Judge, Sr. Division at each Taluka place in Mormugao, Salcete and Quepem Talukas, while, courts of Civil Judge, Jr. Division are set up in Sanguem and Canacona.
The pecuniary jurisdiction of Civil Judge, Jr. Division, is now limited to Rs.1 lakh while it is unlimited for Civil Judge, Sr. Division.
The District Judges in both the Districts also function as Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.
For the purpose of administering criminal justice, the State constitutes two sessions divisions each being co-terminus with the two Districts, North Goa and South Goa. The Sessions Judge at each Sessions Division is assisted by Additional Sessions Judges and Assistant Sessions Judges.
The Sessions Judge of North Goa Sessions Division is presently the Special Judge under the prevention of Corruption Act for the entire State. One of the Additional Sessions Judge in North Goa Sessions Division is invested with powers to try N.D.P.S. Cases. There is one Chief Judicial Magistrate in each District.
All the Civil Judges at Taluka places are invested with Magisterial powers of the first class.