Stephen Boardman takes the view that by the time of his death James had succeeded in breaking down the constraints on the exercise of royal authority which were rooted in the 'settlement of the kingdom' by Robert II.
Stephen Boardman berpandangan bahwa ketika mangkat James telah berhasil menghancurkan pengekangan terhadap pelaksanaan kuasa raja yang berakar pada 'ketetapan kerajaan' dari Robert II.