“I want people to understand that the institutions of government can work with compassion and justice. We live in a very litigious society, but justice doesn’t always have to be harsh.” These words, spoken by Frank Caprio, a celebrated and beloved judge both in America and around the world, not only offer a glimpse into his personality but also confirm why he was called America’s most compassionate judge.
Caprio passed away at the age of 88. He had been battling pancreatic cancer for some time, and this sad news was shared on his Instagram account. Caprio was known for his unique approach. In court, he made decisions not just based on the law books but from the heart. This is why ordinary people affectionately called him America’s best judge.
Caprio was born in 1936 in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. He came from an Italian-American family. He was the second of three brothers and grew up in a modest environment. Later, he studied, practiced law, and eventually became the Chief Judge of the municipal court in the same city.
From 1985 to 2023, Caprio served as a judge in Providence’s municipal court for nearly 40 years. He was also the Chief Municipal Judge of the court. He believed that government institutions should demonstrate compassion and humanity, along with justice.
His decisions from the heart were the reason behind his reputation as a good judge. In minor traffic cases, he would listen to the stories of the accused, understand their difficulties, and often waive fines. This humane approach touched people’s hearts. He often invited children to sit on the judge’s chair and decide their parents’ cases. Once, he waived a $400 fine for a woman because she explained that her son had recently passed away.
This style of Frank Caprio’s was also widely appreciated on television and the internet. His reality show “Caught in Providence” (2018-2020) became very popular. The show was based on the municipal court of Rhode Island. The show received nominations for several Daytime Emmy Awards.
Its clips were viewed millions of times on TikTok and YouTube. Especially the videos where he showed an excellent balance of compassion and justice went viral. Through his decisions and his way of working, Frank Caprio proved that the courtroom is not just a place for punishment, but also a place from where a message of humanity and hope can be sent.
