James Fergusson

James Fergusson (1769–1842) was a Scottish judge and legal writer.

Fergusson was born in 1769. He was the eldest son of James Fergusson (1735–1816) of Bank, (afterwards of Monkwood, Ayrshire) and Margaret Hutchison (1746–1821). He studied at the University of Edinburgh, becoming a member of the Speculative Society on 9 December 1788, and was admitted member of the Faculty of Advocates 1791.

Fergusson was appointed an advocate-depute in 1809. Two years later on 4 March 1811 he appointed one of the four judges of the Consistorial Court. He held that office for a quarter of a century until, on 5 June 1826, he was appointed one of the principal clerks of session and four years later he added the post of keeper of the general record of entails for Scotland. He sold the estate of Monkwood to his brother, John H. Fergusson of Trochraigue. He died at home, 40 Heriot Row, Edinburgh, on 3 May 1842, and was buried seven days later at the new church, Greyfriars, Edinburgh.

On 1 November 1806, Fergusson married Mary (d. 1845), daughter of John Home of Bassendean. They had two daughters.