Frank Caprio Dies: Nicest Judge’s Greatest Courtroom Moments

Judge Frank Caprio, the popular face of Caught in Providence, died at 88 after a brave fight against pancreatic cancer. His humour, compassion, and strong faith in human goodness made Caprio turn the courtroom into a place of compassion and humanity. His death marks the start of a new era, but his legacy will live on in many viral moments that reached millions worldwide.

A Judge Like No Other

Caprio was born in 1936 in Providence, Rhode Island. He started life at the grass-roots level. He used to shine shoes, deliver newspapers, and drive a milk truck before he turned into a teacher and a lawyer. He was a municipal judge in Providence from 1985 until he retired in 2023.

Caprio’s courtroom was not your typical courtroom. No stern threats and punishment, but rather compassion, do-overs, and even humour. His nationally syndicated TV show, *Caught in Providence*, earned him several Daytime Emmy nominations. It captured some memorable moments and turned him into a meme online.

Most Memorable Courtroom Moments

The following are some of the most memorable and touching moments that cemented Judge Caprio’s legacy:

1. The 96-Year-Old Father

The most emotional case was that of a 96-year-old man who had received a speeding ticket in a school area. Asked why he was speeding, the man replied that he was taking his son to a doctor’s appointment. Caprio was visibly disturbed and dismissed the case and commended the man’s devotion: “You are a good man. You really are what America is all about”.

2. Little Armani’s Verdict

In a touching anecdote, Caprio had a 3-year-old boy named Armani assist him in choosing his mother’s parking ticket. He displayed three choices to him—$695, $495, or $315—and asked him to pick one. Armani chose the lowest one, and Caprio happily accepted, making a cause of upset a nice memory.

3. Valerie the Engineer

One of the mothers explained speeding to hurry her sick daughter from school. Caprio took Valerie, the daughter, over to the bench. Valerie responded to whether her mom was guilty by saying, “She’s not guilty because she drives really well and doesn’t text while driving.” Caprio grinned and threw out the ticket, calling it “an isolated incident.”

4. The Bartender’s Plea

A $3.84-per-hour bartender was being tried for a red-light ticket. Caprio cut the fine in half and took the opportunity to sermonise on fair treatment of service employees: “You better not dine and dash because you’re going to get caught, and the poor people that work all day earning an honest wage are going to have to pay your bill.”

5. The Bereaved Mother

In perhaps the most tearful episode, a woman explained how her son had passed away. Caprio empathised with her and waived her $400 in fines. The encounter was a humbling reminder of the potential for justice and compassion to be mutually intertwined.

Philosophy of Justice

Caprio’s own background and principles drove his philosophy. He frequently spoke about the advice from his father: “Put yourself in their shoes. Imagine it’s you before them. How do you want to be treated?” His philosophy shaped his decisions and inspired millions to see the judicial system differently.

He used his platform to highlight systemic problems. He noted that nearly 90% of low-income Americans face civil legal issues without an advocate. His court was a shining example of fairness in a system that is popularly accused of being too rigid.

Final Days and Legacy

In December 2023, Caprio publicly announced his cancer diagnosis, asking for prayers and support. Even in spite of the diagnosis, he remained hopeful and inspired others through social media. His last video, uploaded hours before his passing away, was a heartbreaking message of thankfulness and hope.

Caprio leaves behind his wife Joyce, with whom he was married for nearly 60 years. He also leaves five children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Global tributes poured in, with Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee referring to him as “a symbol of empathy on the bench”.