Lessons in life from Caught in Providence’s viral sensation Judge Frank Caprio, known as the “Nicest Judge in the World” whose courtroom became a worldwide beacon of compassionate justice—and an unforgettable watch for millions of fans

Frank Caprio is “that judge”—the one you love on social media or TV, whose videos you and your friends and family talk about and share with each other. Now, Judge Caprio brings to the page the same wisdom and spirit of decency that viewers around the world have come to treasure.

From 1985, when he first took the bench, to when he stepped down in 2023, Judge Caprio dispensed true compassion to a continuous flow of regular people in his municipal traffic court in Providence, Rhode Island. As showcased in the four-time Emmy nominated show Caught in Providence, his courtroom is a place where defendants are treated with dignity, and where the deserving are given a break—not a pass or get-out-of-jail-free card, but the chance to right their lives and care for their families.

In Compassion in the Court, Judge Caprio shares transformative stories and lessons from his life and courtroom, including:


Wisdom he gained from his immigrant parents
Stories shared by individuals of all ages who appeared in court
How he developed the ability to tell when someone is not telling the truth
The power of growing up with someone who believed in him—and how he’s tried to provide the same for everyone who appears before him
How a person’s worth isn’t measured by the mistakes they make, but by their ability to learn from those mistakes


Caprio’s memories will challenge readers to become somebody—to value their past and their family, to confront their realities, and to believe that, through respect, compassion, and understanding, they can succeed. This book will touch your heart, uplift your spirit, and renew your faith in others, and in yourself.