The court building was promised to the Devonport City Council for its $250 million Living City plan by the Liberals before the election.

The only problem? Nobody thought about where to locate the court, which will make way for a retail development.

When asked if it meant the end of the Devonport court, Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin said: "Potentially in the short term. Medium term, long term I don't know at this stage."

One option could see the Burnie Magistrates Court absorbing the case load.

"This is what we have to work through," Dr Goodwin said.

"But it's a live issue that we have because they need to progress their project and they need that building."

The Law Society of Tasmania described it as a "bizarre situation" saying the "fallout would be catastrophic".

"Unfortunately they haven't thought, until now . . . what they are going to do about replacing the court," newly elected society president Matthew Verney said.

"Nor have they allocated any funding for it."

The court services areas to the west of Deloraine and the east of Penguin on the North-West Coast.

"The catchment for the Devonport Magistrates Court is vast," Mr Verney, whose practice is in Devonport, said.

"We are already starting to feel the strain on the justice system. This would be too much."

Mr Verney said the Burnie Magistrates Court was already inadequate for its current role.

The news follows fears that the Smithton circuit court, which involves a magistrate sitting once a month, could close.

The lease on its building is up and the Circular Head Council is considering whether to let the courts use its chambers.

The council initially ruled it out.