THE NICEST JUDGE IN THE WORLD
Since going viral with his unconventional judicial style, Judge Frank Caprio has captured hearts around the world with his compassionate and deeply human interactions inside and outside of the courtroom.
Growing up on Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island, Judge Caprio came from humble beginnings. He grew up as the second of three boys with stay-at-home mother Filomena and father Antonio, who worked as a fruit peddler and milkman. In their cold-water flat, family love sparked his ambitions. Long before he became Judge Caprio, young Frank shined shoes, delivered newspapers, and worked on a milk truck, following his parents’ example of working hard to better the lives of those around him. This upbringing ingrained in him an extraordinary ability to view the world from the perspective of others. Frank has put that ability to good use, dedicating his life to service.
He has served as a Providence Municipal Court Judge since 1985. His court is known worldwide due to the top-rated, nationally syndicated television show “Caught in Providence,” which was nominated for a Daytime Emmy award in 2021. Judge Caprio also served ten years as chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, which is the governing body for the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and Community College of Rhode Island.
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At Suffolk University School of Law, he founded
the Antonio “Tup” Caprio Scholarship Fund. This scholarship, named for the Judge’s father, is awarded to Rhode Island students who are committed to improving access to legal services in underserved neighborhoods. He has also established scholarships named in honor of his dad at Providence College; and at Providence’s Central High School.
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Judge Caprio was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law
by his alma mater Suffolk University School of Law in 1991 and Providence College in 2008 in addition to an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of Rhode Island in 2016. In 2003 he was the first recipient of the Enrico Caruso Award from the Providence Opera for his major contributions to the arts. Judge Caprio’s contributions to his home state earned him induction into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. Most recently, he adorned a graduation gown when he was the commencement speaker for Boston University School of Law's Class of 2020.
Judge Caprio and his wife of almost six decades,
Joyce Caprio, have five children, seven grandchildren, and two great grand-children.
Judge Caprio’s critically acclaimed show depicts real cases heard in his Providence Municipal courtroom. Some stories are touching, others whacky, but Judge Caprio’s compassionate and singular style of justice is always on full display.
YOU BE THE JUDGE AND CHECK OUT THESE CLIPS!
PRESS? OK, WE'LL ALLOW IT!
