The article deals with the history of formation and the general description of Irkutsk Trial Chamber. It was inaugurated in 1897, when Siberia was annexed to the Russian Empire, where the Judicial Statutes of 1864 were in vigor. The Chamber headed Irkutsk judicial district. Its activity was regulated by the all-Russian legislation and the acts adopted for Siberian courts. The work of the members of the Chamber was impeded by vast geographical distances that stipulated work-related travels and increased labour. Nevertheless, the Chamber managed to work effectively.