Frank Caprio, Viral Judge Known for Empathy in Court, Dead at 88
Judge Frank Caprio, famed for blending compassion with justice, has died at 88 after cancer battle.
The beloved “Caught in Providence” jurist leaves behind a legacy of fairness, kindness, and humanity.
Judge Frank Caprio, a prominent jurist from Rhode Island known for his compassionate approach to justice, has passed away at the age of 88 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Caprio served on the Providence Municipal Court from 1985 until his retirement in 2023. He gained widespread admiration for his empathetic rulings, many of which were featured on the popular courtroom series “Caught in Providence.”
The show, which showcased his ability to balance law with empathy, went viral across social media platforms, earning billions of views worldwide. Known for his signature approach of listening patiently to defendants who faced traffic violations and minor offenses
Caprio often waived or reduced fines for individuals struggling financially or personally. His lighthearted humor, combined with deep humanity, transformed routine court sessions into moments of hope and relief. Tributes have poured in globally, with admirers describing him as a symbol of fairness and decency in the justice system.