James I. Brownson (judge)

James I. Brownson (1817 – 1905) was a prominent American lawyer and judge from Washington County, Pennsylvania. He served as the President Judge of the 27th Judicial District of Pennsylvania for over thirty years, from 1872 until his retirement in 1903.

Brownson was a graduate of Washington College (now Washington & Jefferson College). Before his judicial career, he practiced law in Washington, Pennsylvania. He was known for his legal scholarship, impartiality, and dedication to the law. His decisions and interpretations of the law significantly shaped legal practice in Western Pennsylvania during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

His son, James I. Brownson Jr., also followed in his father's footsteps and became a successful lawyer and judge in Washington County.