Judge Frank Caprio, who died on Wednesday at the age of 88, was called “America’s nicest judge.”
Only he was more than nice.
Most importantly, he was kind. There is a difference.
First elected in Rhode Island to the Providence City Council in 1962, Caprio was involved in local politics until becoming a municipal court judge beginning in 1985. He’d serve on the bench there for the next four decades.
Over the years, he gained a reputation for his compassion and extending grace to those before him.
“Your case is dismissed,” became his favorite phrase and the hallmark of his work, which was featured on the television program, “Caught in Providence.” In the internet age, he became a social media star with millions following and reposting some of his moving verdicts and lectures.
It seems Judge Caprio was something of a reluctant star. It was his wife, Joyce, who suggested they televise his court proceeding on local cable television. She thought it would be educational and inspirational.
“I didn’t like the idea actually, but of course, when my wife makes a suggestion, I usually don’t win that battle,” he said. “I agreed we would try it and see if it was something that worked. And there was an overwhelmingly positive response.”
Audiences were responding to the judge’s empathy, humanity and acts of mercy.
Unknowingly, they were also responding to his faith.
A man of deep Catholic faith, Judge Caprio said he was influenced by the grace God first extended to him.
Judge Caprio’s father was a milkman and fruit peddler who took his children on deliveries. Frank and his siblings saw up close when his father forgave a bill when a family was struggling to survive.
Simply nicknaming Frank Caprio the “nicest judge” belies his broader motivations.
By definition, to be “nice” is generally understood to be agreeable. By contrast, to be “kind” is to be friendly, generous and considerate.
Judge Caprio once reflected, “Every small act of kindness I give creates a better world, and a better me.”
Christians are mandated to be kind, not necessarily nice. “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,” writes the apostle Paul, “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Col. 3:12). Of course, “kindness” is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
Developing a spirit of kindness is not achieved by doing random acts, but it’s who we become when we’ve been transformed by Jesus Christ.
Judge Caprio warmly extended a hand of fellowship and friendship in grace and truth to those within his reach.
Thanks to a loving God, those who have confessed their sins, accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and put their faith in Him need not fear judgement. In fact, our faith makes clear that because of Jesus’ death on the cross, He looks at the sins of the saved and says, “Your case is dismissed.”
Sound familiar?
