World’s Nicest Judge, Frank Caprio is dead after battling cancer for years.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that Frank Caprio, the United States judge whose courtroom compassion won him millions of admirers across the globe, has died at the age of 88.
A statement shared on his official Instagram account, which had more than 3.2 million followers, confirmed that Caprio passed away on Wednesday after “a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.”
The statement described him as “beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”
A Judge Who Captured Hearts Worldwide
Caprio, famously dubbed the “nicest judge in the world,” served as a judge in Providence, Rhode Island, for nearly 40 years. Unlike many of his television counterparts who were often stern and confrontational, Caprio became renowned for his empathy and light-hearted approach to justice.
Clips of his rulings often marked by compassion and humor went viral across social media, amassing over one billion views. His career was later chronicled in the hit television series Caught in Providence, which documented his unique brand of justice until his retirement in 2023.
Memorable Moments in Court
Some of his most famous rulings included dismissing a traffic ticket for a bartender earning less than $4 an hour and forgiving a grieving mother’s $400 in fines after learning her son had been killed.
In another widely shared video, Caprio used his platform to highlight systemic inequalities in the U.S. justice system, noting:
“Almost 90% of low-income Americans are forced to battle civil issues like health care, unjust evictions, veterans benefits, and traffic violations alone.”
A Final Message and Tributes
Just a day before his death, Caprio posted a message from his hospital bed, asking his followers to keep him in their prayers as he faced new health setbacks.
Following news of his passing, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee paid tribute, saying:
“He was more than a jurist – he was a symbol of empathy on the bench, showing us what is possible when justice is tempered with humanity.”
Caprio leaves behind a legacy of kindness and fairness that resonated far beyond the courtroom, inspiring millions worldwide.