James Russell (1790–1861) was a Scottish barrister, best known as a law reporter in the English courts.

Life

He was the eldest son of James Russell of Stirling; his brother John joined the Scottish bar, and became known as a travel writer. After graduating with distinction at Glasgow University, he was called to the English bar at the Inner Temple in June 1822.^[1]

Henry Lascelles, 2nd Earl of Harewood introduced Russell to Lord Eldon, and he was appointed a reporter in the courts of the Lord Chancellor and Master of the Rolls. In 1824 he became sole authorised reporter, ceasing in 1834.^[1]

Russell gradually acquired a chancery and bankruptcy practice, and took silk in 1841. He ultimately became leader in the court of Vice-chancellor James Lewis Knight-Bruce, but his eyesight failed.^[1]

Russell for some years before his death was blind. He died at Roxeth House, near Harrow, on 6 January 1861, and was buried at Kensal Green.^[1]

Works

Russell published:^[1]

• Reports in Chancery, 1826–8, 4 vols. and 2 parts, vol. v. 1827–30.
• With George James Turner, Reports in Chancery, 1822–4, 1832.
• With James William Mylne, Reports in Chancery, 1829–31, with particular cases in 1832–3, 2 vols., 1832–7.

All these works were reprinted in America. Russell also contributed to the Quarterly Review, and with his brother John for some years edited the Annual Register.^[1]

Family

Russell married, in April 1839, Maria, eldest daughter of the Rev. Robert Cholmeley, rector of Wainfleet, Lincolnshire, with whom he had three sons and five daughters.^[1]