Sir James Balfour, a Scottish jurist and politician, born in Fifeshire early in the 16th century, died about 1583. He was educated for the Roman Catholic church, but joined the Protestants, took part in the conspiracy against Cardinal Beaton, was made prisoner at the surrender of the castle of St. Andrews, and with Knox, who called him the blasphemous Balfour, was imprisoned in the French galleys. He escaped in 1550, again changed his religion, attached himself to Bothwell's fortunes, was made privy councillor, and received many other appointments, including the governorship of Edinburgh castle. He was present at the murder of Rizzio, and accused of complicity in the death of Darnley. He gave up to the confederate lords the celebrated letters intrusted to him for safe keeping by Bothwell, on which it was attempted to establish Mary's guilt. Murray afterward made him president of the court of session, and Morton employed him with Skene in compiling the revision of the Scottish statutes, known as "The Prack-ticks." One of his last acts was compassing Morton's death by furnishing the deed signed by him at the time of the assassination of Darnley.