While I think you raise an interesting point, I'm not sure if your example really works. While a judge lobbying for tougher murder penalties might not be a conflict of interest, it could be evidence of bias in the sentencing of murder defendants. To put it another way, if a judge lobbied for more frequent use of the death penalty, a defendant sentenced to death might reasonably argue that the judge gave the sentence based on personal beliefs and not based on interpretation of the law.

Anyone know of any definite plans for other airlines to introduce this service? I'd love it on my next flight over the Pacific!