The Court should have set in Cartago, Costa Rica (although after an earthquake destroyed its building, the headquarters of the Court was moved to San Jose). It consisted of 5 judges, appointed for 5-year terms of office by legislatures of 5 states. Justices had to be jurists by profession, and qualified for the high judicial office in his/her country. They also could not hold any public office or practice law during the time they sat on the court. The presence of all 5 justices was required for a quorum.

The inaugural session of the court was opened on May 25, 1908. In accordance with the Convention, justices of the Court had to receive personal immunity in their own countries and the status of diplomatic agents in the other 4 states. Governments considered the latter requirement equal to making members of the Court representatives of their states and the process of granting these immunities became problematic and was never solved.

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