The long-serving Providence municipal court judge who became known globally as “America’s nicest judge", has died at the age of 88 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Frank Caprio, who was a devout Catholic, served nearly four decades on the bench, gaining worldwide recognition through the TV programme Caught in Providence, where his mix of justice and kindness went viral, drawing millions of viewers.
His trademark phrase, "Your case is dismissed," became a symbol of pop culture.
Rhode Island’s Governor, Dan McKee, ordered flags across the state to fly at half-mast in tribute, recognising the judge’s profound impact, according to a post on his official Facebook page.
Caprio often said he sought to place himself "in the shoes of the person before me".
Born in Providence in 1936, Caprio was the son of Italian immigrants.
He worked his way from teaching government in high school to earning a law degree at night, eventually being appointed judge in 1985 and serving until his retirement in 2023.
He spoke openly of his deep faith, particularly during his battle with cancer. In a post to his Instagram he asked for prayer shortly before his death, saying: “I have a deep and abiding faith in the Catholic Church, in Jesus, in the power of prayer.”
He even undertook a pilgrimage to Lourdes, singing Ave Maria at the grotto in 2024.