A magistrate's court was established at Barkly West on 27 October 1871.

The magistrate held periodical courts at Klipdam, Daniel's Kuil, Longlands, Sydney-on-Vaal, Boetsap, etc. He also acted as special justice of the peace for Keiskamma, inspector of claims, inspector of natives and chairman of the liquor licensing court.

The Standing Rules and Orders of the Divisional Council of Barkly West, framed in terms of Act No 4 of 1865 were published under Government Notice No 363 dated 30 March 1882.

On 1 January 1980 the Divisional Council of Barkly West was re-constituted together with the Divisional Councils Kimberley and Herbert to form the amalgamated Divisional Council of Vaalrivier (The Province of the Cape of Good Hope Official Gazette No 4061 dated 20 July 1979, Proclamation No 174 of 18 July 1979).