no tv for you
Can the taking away of television viewing be considered "cruel and unusual punishment?" Cruel maybe, but as many children around the world may have experienced, it's probably not unusual.

But when the order to not watch television comes from a judge, and is the result of a sentencing in a criminal case, it might be the grounds for an appeal. A federal district court judge sentenced a defendant (ny times, reg. req'd) to ten months of home confinement, with the condition that the home be televsion free.

After originally agreeing to the condition, the defendant has had second thoughts and is claiming that his first amendment rights are being violated.