Judge Frank Caprio, known worldwide as the “nicest judge in the world," once let a six-year-old girl decide her mom’s punishment.
The 88-year-old judge died this week after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The devastating news was revealed in an emotional statement shared on his official Instagram account, where he amassed 3.4 million followers.
"Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond. His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
"He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired," they continued.
"In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world - just as he did every day," the statement read.
Caprio rose to fame through Caught in Providence, the courtroom reality show that captured his mix of fairness and humor.
Clips from the program regularly went viral, helping him cement his reputation as a judge who put empathy and kindness at the center of justice.
One of the most memorable moments came in 2019, when he asked six-year-old Sofia to help him decide her mother’s punishment for an $85 ticket.
“Your mother has a ticket that’s $85,” Caprio explained to the child: “Now, you're going to be honest, okay? I can charge her $85, or I can charge her something less. So, should I give her a break and not charge her $85?”
Sofia cheekily suggested he fine her mom $100 instead. When Caprio offered alternatives of $50 or nothing at all, she insisted on $50 - despite her mom’s pleas and even the promise of a new toy. After thanking Sofia for her input, Caprio dismissed the case entirely.
Viewers praised both the girl’s integrity and Caprio’s kindness. “Kids are innocent. They are truly honest. Thank you Judge you are a good soul," one user wrote, while another said: "That was so precious. Great Judge."
Caprio’s compassion also shone through in more serious cases, such as when he dismissed a speeding ticket for a 96-year-old man who revealed he was driving his son to cancer treatment.
“You are a good man. You really are what America is all about. Here you are in your nineties, and you’re still taking care of your family. It’s just a wonderful thing for you," he told him, per The Independent.
He also overlooked a red-light violation for a barman who was making $3.84 per hour, and urged those watching the video not to duck out on their bills.
“If anyone's watching, I want them to know you better not eat and run because you're going to get caught, and the poor people who are working hard all day for three bucks an hour are going to have to pay your bill," he said, per ITV.
In addition to this, the late judge used his fame to open up about issues like unequal access to the judicial system.
“The phrase, 'With liberty and justice for all,' represents the idea that justice should be accessible to everyone. However, it is not,” he said in one video. “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."
Caprio, who earned multiple Daytime Emmy nominations for his TV show, shared a heartbreaking final message just before he sadly passed away.
He looked directly into the camera and asked followers to keep him in their thoughts. “I’m coming to you again, asking you to remember me in your prayers once more. So I ask you again if it’s not too much that you can remember me in your prayers,” he added.
Many people have come forward to pay tribute to the late judge. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee described him as a “Rhode Island treasure” who “faced his illness with bravery,” ordering flags across the state to be flown at half-mast in his honor.
The co-presidents of the company behind Caught in Providence, Debmar-Mercury, said Caprio had a "unique brand of compassion and common sense approach," adding: "We will miss him dearly," cited by BBC News.
Our thoughts continue to be with the late judge's family and friends.