WASHINGTON: Frank Caprio, a US judge who became an internet sensation for his compassion and courteous demeanor in court, has died at 88, his family announced on social media.

The retired Rhode Island judge, who served on the bench for nearly four decades before retiring in 2023, became known for his lenient approach to minor infractions.

“It is with profound sadness that I share the news that my father Judge Frank Caprio passed away today, peacefully surrounded by family and friends after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer,” his son David Caprio said in a video posted on the judge’s Instagram account on Wednesday.

His family said in a statement that he was “beloved around the world for his deep compassion, humility, and unwavering faith in the goodness of people”, and an “example of humanity”.

Caprio had posted a video on Tuesday from his hospital bed asking for prayers after suffering a health “setback.” His courtroom reality TV show “Caught in Providence,” which began in 2000, featured his sympathetic treatment of defendants facing traffic violations and parking tickets.

Clips from the show garnered tens of millions of views on social media, often showing him dismissing fines for struggling families or asking children to help decide their parents’ punishments.

He drew millions of followers on social media, who dubbed him “the nicest judge in the world.”

Published in Dawn, August 22th, 2025