James Hughes (November 24, 1823 – October 21, 1873) was a United States representative from Indiana and a judge of the Court of Claims.

Born on November 24, 1823, in Bladensburg, Maryland,[Note 1][1] Hughes attended the common schools, Indiana University Bloomington, the United States Military Academy and read law in 1842.

[1] He was admitted to the bar and entered private practice in Bloomington and Bedford, Indiana from 1842 to 1852.

[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 18, 1860, and received his commission the same day.

[1] Following his resignation from the federal bench, Hughes was a cotton agent for the United States Department of the Treasury from 1865 to 1866.