This excerpt from Josephus is important for the accurate knowledge it displays of the relationships and the political relations between the Romans and the various factions in Jerusalem. James is clearly stated to be the " brother " of Jesus. It should also be noted that James is observed to be a strict upholder of the Law by the more upstanding citizens of Jerusalem. In light of Paul's relationships with James in the NT this is interesting testimony.
" Upon learning of the death of Festus, Ceasar sent Albinus to Judaea as procurator. The king removed Joseph from the high priesthood, and bestowed the succession to this office upon the son of Ananus. It is said that the elder Ananus was extremely fortunate. For he had five sons, all of whom, after he himself had previously enjoyed the office for a very long period, became high priests of God - a thing that had never happened to any other of our high priests. The younger Ananus, who, as we have said, had been appointed to the high priesthoood, was rash in his temper and unusually daring. He followed the school of the Sadduccees, who are indeed more heartless than any of the other Jews, as I have already explained, when they sit in judgement.Possessed of such a character, Ananus thought that he had a favourable opportunity because Festus was dead and Albinus was still on the way. And so he convened the judges of the Sanhedrin and brought them a man called James, the brother of Jesus who was called the Christ, and certain others. He accused them of having transgressed the law and delivered them up to be stoned. Those of the inhabitants of the city who were considered the most fair minded and who were strict in observance of the law were offended at this. They therefore secretly sent to King Agrippa urging him, for Ananus had not even been correct in his first step, to order him to desist from further actions. Certain of them even went to meet Albinus, who was on his way from Alexandria, and informed him that Ananus had no authority to convene the Sanhedrin without his consent. Convinced by these words, Albinus angrily wrote to Ananus threatening to take vengence upon him. King Agrippa, because of Ananus' action, deposed him from the high priesthood which he had held for three months and replaced him with Jesus the son of Damnaeus. When Albinus reached the city of Jerusalem, he bent every effort and made every provision to ensure peace in the land by exterminating most of the Sicarii."
Josephus Jewish Antiquities, XX.196-208