NEWS of a little bit of history emerged this week tucked away at the end of an article about the latest jurat to be sworn into the Royal Court.

In a few weeks’ time, more women than men will sit in judgement on the benches for a case before the island’s senior court.

It was a throwaway line, but significant nevertheless. As Peter Roffey wrote on Tuesday, it is often only when one looks back in time that genuine progress can be seen.

That it has taken until 2010 for women to take an equal share in one of the greatest responsibilities and honours that this island can bestow is something that may surprise future historians.

Yet in terms of the 821-year history of the office, the ascent of women has gone from a flat line to near vertical. After all, it took almost 800 years for any woman to be given the honour, but only another quarter century to rocket to five places on the bench.

Balancing out the sexes must be one of the continuing aims of reform of the post of jurat if the court is to better reflect society as a whole.

But the nature of the nomination and election process ensures that those promoted to the front ranks are, with a few exceptions, of similar backgrounds.

Well-educated, male, relatively well-to-do and, almost exclusively, former professionals.

Of course, those who take the honour are accepting a two-edged sword. The island gives great honour, but in return it hands over great responsibility. Cases before the court are often heart-rending or intensely complicated – or both.

Without exception, verdicts handed down affect people’s lives profoundly. It is the sort of responsibility that would weigh down people without an inner strength.

Yet the feeling persists that there is room in the jurats’ robes for a little more variation. Common sense, respect, humility and an eye for the truth are qualities to be found throughout island society.

Drawing from a deeper pool and accepting women has served only to strengthen the respect islanders feel for the office of jurat.

That reform could go further.