James Montagu (judge)

James Montagu (c. 1666 – 1723) was an English judge and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament and later as Chief Baron of the Exchequer.

Montagu was the son of Edward Montagu, 1st Earl of Sandwich. He entered the Middle Temple in 1683 and was called to the bar in 1689. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled lawyer and was appointed King's Counsel in 1706.

Montagu was a Member of Parliament for Beeralston from 1705 to 1708, and for Cambridgeshire from 1713 to 1722. During his time in Parliament, he was a strong supporter of the Whig party.

In 1714, Montagu was appointed Attorney General, a position he held until 1715. He was then appointed Chief Baron of the Exchequer, a high-ranking judicial position, which he held until his death in 1723. He was known for his fairness and integrity on the bench. He was succeeded as Chief Baron by Sir Robert Eyre.