James Hall (August 19, 1793 - July 5, 1868) was an American judge and man of letters.

After studying law for some time, in 1812 he joined the United States Army.

In the war with Great Britain, he distinguished himself in engagements at Lundy’s Lane and Fort Erie.

At the end of the war, he accompanied an expedition against Algiers, but in 1818 he resigned his commission, and continued the study of law at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In 1827 he became state treasurer, and held that office till 1831, but he continued at the same time his legal practice and also edited the Illinois Intelligencer.