Judge Frank Caprio, affectionately dubbed the “nicest judge in the world” for his compassionate courtroom style, has died aged 88 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Caprio spent nearly four decades on the bench in Providence, Rhode Island, becoming an unlikely global sensation after videos of his kind-hearted rulings went viral. His cases, often involving minor traffic violations, were showcased in the television series Caught in Providence, which ran until his retirement in 2023.
A judge with compassion
Unlike many TV courtroom figures, Caprio became renowned for his gentle approach and empathy. His judgments – often marked by humour, patience and understanding – were viewed more than a billion times across social media platforms.
In one viral clip, he dismissed a ticket for a bartender who ran a red light while earning just $4 an hour. In another, he showed deep compassion to a grieving mother whose son had been killed, waiving hundreds of dollars in fines.
Final message and tributes
A statement on his Instagram account, where he had more than 3.2 million followers, confirmed his passing on Wednesday, describing him as “beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”
Just a day earlier, Caprio had posted from his hospital bed, telling followers: “Unfortunately I’ve had a setback, I’m back in the hospital now, and I’m coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee paid tribute, calling him “more than a jurist – a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity.”
Legacy beyond the bench
Caprio frequently used his platform to highlight wider issues of inequality in the justice system, noting that “almost 90% of low-income Americans are forced to battle civil issues like health care, unjust evictions, veterans benefits and, yes, even traffic violations, alone.”
His legacy endures not just in law but in the lives he touched, inspiring millions worldwide with a vision of justice rooted in humanity and fairness.
