Frank Caprio, the retired municipal judge of Rhode Island whose compassionate style of justice led him to become the internet’s most popular celebrity was pronounced dead this morning at the age of 88.
Caprio is best known for his role for being the anchor of the ABC show “Caught in Providence Caprio was loved for his generosity even while adhering to the laws. The courtroom was often described as a space “where people and cases are met with kindness and compassion.”
In a post on his Facebook official page:
“Judge Frank Caprio passed away in peace at the 88th year following a lengthy and long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was adored for his compassion as well as his humility and an unwavering faith in the goodwill of others, Judge Caprio touched the lives of countless people by his service both in and out of the courtroom. His humour, warmth and compassion created a lasting impression upon all who came in contact with his name. In memory of him, every one of us strive to spread some more love into the world — exactly like he was doing every single day.”
Caprio’s video clips — in which the defendants were treated with compassion and dignity earned him over 1 billion viewers on social media. They also made him “the nicest judge in the world,” according to Time magazine.
The videos that were posted on YouTube regularly included him sympathizing with those that appeared in the courtroom. CNN said that Caprio utilized his popularity to draw attention to issues such as inequality in access to justice.
In the year 2019, Caprio won the hearts of Pakistan due to an exchange in a conversation with Ahmad Salman, a Pakistani student. Caprio did away with Salman‘s 3 parking tickets and one month later invited him for the family’s Sunday meal which was that was shared by the “Caught” Providence production in 2022.
The legacy of Judge Frank Caprio is not only remembered by his court decisions however, he also showed the public that justice is possible with dignity, compassion and humaneness.
