Judge Frank Caprio of ‘Caught in Providence’ fame, dies at 88

Frank Caprio, Rhode Island judge known for his kindness, humor, and viral courtroom videos, has passed away at 88 after battling pancreatic cancer. Famous for Caught in Providence, he showed empathy to defendants, dismissed minor fines, and highlighted fairness in justice. His clips have been viewed over 1 billion times, inspiring millions worldwide.

“Judge Caprio was more than a jurist — he was a symbol of humanity on the bench,” said Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee.

Caprio, who served nearly four decades on the Providence Municipal Court bench before retiring in 2023, became widely recognized for his unique approach to justice — treating people and cases with empathy, fairness, and humor. He frequently dismissed minor infractions or reduced fines for those struggling financially, earning him millions of fans worldwide.

“The phrase, ‘With liberty and justice for all’ represents the idea that justice should be accessible to everyone. However, it is not,” Caprio said in a video addressing unequal access to the judicial system.

His courtroom show, filmed in Providence, went viral online, amassing over 1 billion views across social media platforms. In his popular segments, Caprio often involved children in passing judgment, listened sympathetically to personal tragedies, or eased the burden of low-income defendants.

Beyond entertainment, he used his platform to highlight social and judicial issues, reminding viewers of the importance of fairness, responsibility, and compassion in everyday life.

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