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‘Nicest Judge In The World’ Frank Caprio Passes Away Following Cancer Recurrence

Aug 21, 2025 | By Kailee Rainse

Beloved Rhode Island Judge Frank Caprio, famed worldwide for his compassion and courtroom clips has died after cancer. He served nearly 40 years on the Providence bench, inspiring millions.

SUMMARY

  • Beloved Rhode Island Judge Frank Caprio, famed worldwide for his compassion and courtroom clips has died after cancer. He served nearly 40 years on the Providence bench, inspiring millions.

Frank Caprio, fondly called the “nicest judge in the world,” passed away at 88 after battling pancreatic cancer. Known for viral courtroom moments with over a billion views, his career was highlighted in Caught in Providence. Relatives confirmed his death Wednesday; his Instagram shared the news with 3.2M followers.

It said he was "beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people".

He had posted a message from his hospital bed the day before, saying: "Unfortunately I've had a setback, I'm back in the hospital now, and I'm coming to you again asking you to remember me in your prayers once more."

Unlike other TV judges known for being harsh and confrontational, Caprio stood out for his compassion. In viral clips, he dismissed a bartender’s ticket over low wages and forgave a grieving mother’s $400 fines.

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Caprio used his public platform to highlight and challenge inequalities within the justice system.

"Almost 90% of low-income Americans are forced to battle civil issues like health care, unjust evictions, veterans benefits and, yes, even traffic violations, alone," he said in one video.

Following his passing, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee honored him for his “warmth and compassion.”

"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," he said.

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