"Warm and Approachable Judge"… Outpouring of Grief as US Judge with 1 Billion Views Passes Away

Known as a 'Symbol of Empathy' and the 'Judge of Compassion'

Frank Caprio, a judge of the Rhode Island District Court in the United States who gained attention for listening to children’s statements and offering guidance to those on trial, has passed away at the age of 88. On August 21, Yonhap News, citing AP and other sources, reported that Judge Frank Caprio, who personally managed his social media account and shared various courtroom anecdotes, has died. The videos he uploaded while serving as a judge collectively garnered over one billion views, highlighting his popularity.

While serving as a judge, Caprio personally managed a social media account called "Caught in Providence," sharing various courtroom anecdotes from Providence, the capital of Rhode Island. His videos have collectively garnered over one billion views. YouTube channel "Caught in Providence"

In particular, a video in which he listened attentively to a child who appeared in court with their parent became a sensation, receiving over 10 million views on YouTube. In the video, Judge Caprio says, "From now on, you’re the judge. You have to be fair and honest. Your mom was caught for a parking violation. How much should she pay as a fine? Please choose one of the following four: $300, $100, $50, or $0." After a brief pause, the child answers, "$50." Judge Caprio then asks, "Instead of your mom paying a $50 fine, how about she buys you breakfast?" The daughter agrees with Judge Caprio’s suggestion and chooses breakfast.

Beyond this example, he often ruled in favor of those accused of minor offenses in what he called a courtroom "where people and cases meet with kindness and compassion." These included cases such as failing to use a turn signal while driving or receiving a ticket for hosting a noisy party. Videos in which he empathized with a woman whose son had been murdered and waived her $400 fine (about 56,000 won), or forgave a bartender earning $3.84 an hour for a traffic signal violation, resonated deeply with many viewers online.

 Known as a 'Symbol of Empathy' and 'Judge of Compassion'

In one video, he remarked, "The phrase 'liberty and justice for all' from the American Pledge of Allegiance reflects the idea that everyone should have access to justice, but in reality, that’s not the case," adding, "Nearly 90% of low-income Americans have to fight issues such as healthcare, unfair eviction, veterans’ benefits, and traffic violations on their own."

Frank Caprio, a judge of the District Court in Rhode Island, USA, passed away at the age of 88. AP·Yonhap News

He also revealed in a recent Facebook video that his illness had recurred and that he had been readmitted to the hospital, asking people to remember him in their prayers. His family described him as "a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend," adding, "Judge Caprio inspired countless lives both inside and outside the courtroom with his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people." Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee also stated, "Judge Caprio not only served the public but also connected with people in a meaningful way. He was more than just a legal professional; he was a symbol of empathy and demonstrated what happens when justice is harmonized with humanity."

Upon news of his passing, people around the world responded with comments such as, "I saw him often on YouTube and he felt as familiar as a neighbor," "A true judge who delivered real justice," and "I never met him in person, but I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing. Rest in peace."