Greetings, 

Yes, they are proposing a bill to prevent this... In California, another one of the ass backwards legal states. But that aside, unfortunately, assuming the bill passes it will still only have the effect of influencing Californian court rooms and may not persuade any others to follow suit. 

As for the judge being paid off... I wouldn't doubt there will be a hefty campaign contribution from the family in her near future. 

All very valid points so far... but I'm surprised more people don't find this interesting.