For the first time, Saudi Arabia is planning to let female lawyers argue certain types of cases in court. Justice minister Mohammed al-Issa said yesterday that a draft law to this effect will be issued shortly as part of King Abdullah’s “plan to develop the justice system”.

At present, women with legal qualifications are allowed to work behind the scenes in the kingdom, in government offices and court offices, but they cannot argue cases in court.

Although the proposed law would limit their court role to cases of child custody, divorce and other family matters, it is nevertheless an important breakthrough – and may yet meet opposition from traditionalist elements.

Historically, justice systems have proved to be one of the last bastions of male privilege in many countries. Britain, for instance, did not allow female solicitors until 1922 (though today women account for more than half the new entrants into the profession). Gradually, women have moved up to higher levels in the system but it was not until 2003 that the first woman was appointed as a Law Lord – a judge in Britain's highest court.

Posted by Brian Whitaker, 21 February 2010.