Credited from: CBSNEWS
Frank Caprio, a retired municipal judge from Rhode Island, has died at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His family announced his passing via social media, noting he "passed away peacefully" and highlighting his legacy of compassion and kindness in the courtroom, which left an indelible mark on millions, according to Channel News Asia, CBS News, Dawn, BBC, and HuffPost.
Caprio gained fame through his show "Caught in Providence," where he dealt with minor traffic violations and misdemeanors, often using humor and empathy to connect with defendants. His courtroom was characterized as a place "where people and cases are met with kindness and compassion." Many of his segments went viral, attracting over one billion views online, according to CBS News, Dawn, and HuffPost.
Known for his unique ability to empathize with defendants, Caprio often dismissed cases where he felt compassion was warranted, stating, “With liberty and justice for all” yet recognizing that justice is not always accessible. He uniquely blended fairness with humanity, promoting the idea that justice should not be oppressive, as noted repeatedly in his various interviews and posts, per Channel News Asia and BBC.
His family remembers him not just as a judge but as a "devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend," with his son David expressing gratitude for the public's support during his father’s illness. Local leaders, including Governor Dan McKee, also commemorated Caprio's contributions, emphasizing his extraordinary connection with the community, noted by CBS News, HuffPost, and BBC.