Judge Frank Caprio, the charismatic Providence Municipal Court judge who garnered a massive global following for his compassionate and viral courtroom videos, has died at the age of 88. His passing on Wednesday follows a “long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer,” according to a statement from his family.
Known as “the nicest judge in the world,” Caprio presided over cases with a unique blend of empathy, humor, and common-sense justice, often making rulings that touched the hearts of millions. Clips from his long-running television show, Caught in Providence, where he handled minor traffic and municipal violations, have amassed over a billion views on social media platforms, transforming him from a local jurist into an international sensation. His most popular videos frequently featured him involving children in his courtroom proceedings or showing mercy to those facing difficult personal circumstances.
Caprio announced his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in December 2023, asking his fans for prayers as he began treatment. In a video posted just a day before his death, he revealed he was back in the hospital after a health “setback” and once again requested prayers from his supporters, stating his belief in the power of faith.
A retired chief judge who served on the Providence Municipal Court for nearly four decades, Caprio’s legacy is defined by his profound connection with the public. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee noted in a statement that Caprio 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.” His family’s statement concluded by urging people to “bring a little more compassion into the world—just as he did every day.”
