That has not endeared him to those in America who want to criminalise online gambling outright.

ECONOMIST: Texas hold-em

Erick, a Dutch customer, thinks there is no way his government can put the clock back and criminalise cannabis again.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | Dutch cannabis policy challenged

There are plans to criminalise some men who buy sex, as well as fresh attempts to restrict drinks promotions in bars.

ECONOMIST: A growing business, but perhaps not for long

Mr Ewing welcomed the recommendation for the new statutory offence and stated it was "not the government's intention to criminalise honest solicitors".

BBC: Land Registration Bill debate

Mr Strauss-Kahn, who is reportedly taking steps to reinvent himself as a highly paid consultant and conference speaker, says the authorities are trying to "criminalise lust".

BBC: Strauss-Kahn sex charges ruling delayed

What can be said, quite clearly, is that Britain, like almost all other countries that claim to be civilised, does not criminalise investigation into its history.

ECONOMIST: Criminalising historical investigation is wrong

Robert Whelan, director of the pressure group Family and Youth Concern, said it was "grotesque" that the Climbie case was being used to "try to criminalise parents".

BBC: Pressure grows over smacking law