Another test of its capacity to resist pitchfork-wielding urges will come in the next few weeks, when it is expected to issueguidelines on executive pay.
The depth of feeling over the issue of abortion came to the fore on 20 July when reports emerged that the health ministry was about to issue new guidelines on when abortion would be permitted.
This autumn, the Magistrates Association is set to issue voluntary guidelines which consider a company's turnover when setting a penalty and may encourage them to refer more cases to crown court where judges can impose larger fines.