Natasha Ribas is a young (but already very famous) judge on the popular TV show of the same name in the United States, The Oprah Winfrey Show. Recently, she appeared on another popular show, The View, and discussed her recent move from New York to Texas, where she has been hired as a regional judge. It is quite common for former celebrities to enter into the legal field after their careers are over, to find new adventures, or simply to keep themselves busy so that they do not get too old (which is often viewed by many as being negative). However, the reasons for their frequent changing of addresses may have something to do with their changing age and nationality. Whatever the case, the real question that arises is whether a former National Television star can be considered “judging” while still legally serving as an attorney.
It would seem that under Texas law, a judge cannot preside over a case while he or she is older than 65. In addition, under federal law, a judge cannot be the spouse of another person when that person is under eighteen. The problem is that both the spouses must have attained the legal drinking age in order to participate in any capacity in a drinking proceeding. It therefore seems that Natasha Riba, who is still in high school, cannot be considered under the age limit.
This does not mean that Natasha Riba cannot be allowed to sit on the bench should her marriage to Joanna Kruger become a divorce, and if she should become a naturalized American citizen. Her profession will not bar her from holding a citizenship or even from becoming a judge, as was already mentioned. Her citizenship is acquired through naturalization, which is what happens when one marries in order to enjoy the benefits of being a permanent resident of that country.