Peter Francis James (born September 16, 1956) is an American actor and voice-over artist, distinguished by his strong baritone.
James's acting career began in 1979, when he appeared in a version of Shakespeare's Coriolanus, starring Earle Hyman and Morgan Freeman.
He had a recurring role as Judge Kevin Beck on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; and for playing Jahfree Neema in the HBO television series Oz.
He portrayed Thurgood Marshall in American Experience episode of "Simple Justice" (1993), and he played Isaac Coles in the miniseries The Wedding (1998).
The following biographical material appears on the 2000 audiobook of Mr. James's recording of Walter Mosley's Walking the Dog.