The origin and background of this legal institution date back to the founding of the Real Audiencia (Royal Court) of Galicia at the end of the 15th century. Created by the Catholic Monarchs in 1494, the Real Audiencia of Galicia was responsible for all military, political and administrative judicial matters. It was governed by a Captain General, Governor and President of the Court. 

The Constitution of 1812 gave rise to territorial courts with jurisdictional authority in civil and criminal matters in the territory under its influence. For the first time, the foundations were laid so that judges could perform their duties independently. Judges had the exclusive duty of judging and enforcing judgments and the Courts or the King were prevented from exercising jurisdictional duties, as well as the authority to dismiss pending actions or open expired trials. Each territorial court took its name from the region to which it belonged.   

It was not until 1835 that the Ordenanzas de las Audiencias (ordinances of the courts) came into existence. These essential documents divided the courts into three distinct chambers with different jurisdictional powers: two civil courts and one criminal court. 

This judicial organization was respected by substantive law of the judiciary of 1870 and essentially remains unchanged today, aside from the jurisdictions that have been incorporated over time and the evolution of society.
 
The high courts, with their present structure and territorial demarcation, spring from the plan created in article 26 of substantive law of the judiciary of 1985. They were established 23 May 1989. The old territorial courts now became a thing of the past, giving rise to a judicial model that included the autonomous map and was adapted to the requirements of the 1978 Constitution. The high court takes the name of the autonomous community.    

The courthouse seat of the high court is located in the centre of the suburb of A Coruña, in Plaza de Galicia.

The building was constructed by Julio Galán, following the blueprints of the architect Antonio Palacios. It was inaugurated on 11 January 1930 by the Minister of Justice and Religious Affairs, Galo Ponte Escartín.     

The courthouse was renovated in 2000.