This was a case about a hugely important point of pure constitutional law, but it arrived at the Supreme court in a blizzard of politics, acrimony, threats of violence against Gina Miller the woman at its heart, and some very personal press criticism of the judges about to hear it.

Like many Supreme Court cases it rapidly took on the feel of an academic seminar, often inaccessible and at times impenetrable to the non-lawyer.

Not a ratings winner then, but it has been a fine example of the rule of law and the British constitution in action. Independent judges considering issues raised by citizens, exercising their right to have a decision of ministers scrutinised by a court to determine whether it is lawful or not.

The proceedings have been unfailingly courteous and all of the key players have had their arguments carefully considered. That is not something that happens in every country around the world. So, even if the nation remains divided on the issue, it can take pride in the process by which it is being determined.