Compassion in the Court
Life-Changing Stories from America's Nicest Judge
by Frank Caprio
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Pub Date Feb 04 2025 | Archive Date Mar 02 2025
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Description
Now, Judge Caprio, known as “the Nicest Judge in the World,” 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. His courtroom was a place where defendants were treated with dignity, and where the deserving were 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 appeared before him
- How a person’s worth isn’t measured by the mistakes they make, but by their ability to learn from those mistakes
Judge 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.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781637746035 |
PRICE | $26.95 (USD) |
PAGES | 272 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

I first encountered Judge Frank Caprio through video clips on social media. His compassion and engaging demeanor immediately drew me in, and I quickly came to admire him. When I discovered his memoir, Compassion in the Court, I was eager to read it. The book is a collection of short stories that reveal the life experiences and values—compassion, respect, and understanding—that shaped the man he is today. Each story is a life lesson that offers inspiration and thought-provoking insights. I thoroughly enjoyed every page. If you are a fan of Judge Caprio, appreciate uplifting and reflective themes, or enjoy short stories, this book is a must-read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. In Compassion in the Court: Life-Changing Stories from America's Nicest Judge you get to read about Judge Frank Caprio. Judge Frank Caprio first caught my attention on a Facebook post. His treatment of people in his courtroom was inspiring. He tells his family history and his life story. He also tells some stories about cases that were in his courtroom. The way Judge Caprio ran his courtroom should be an example to all Judges. I already had a great respect for him prior to reading this book but after reading this book I am in absolute awe of him. I did not want to put this book down once I starting reading it. This book is heartwarming. I may have needed a tissue a time or two due to how good of a person Frank Caprio is and his acts of kindness. If you read one biography this year, make it this book.

A memoir full of quality life lessons and wisdom. One of those books that left me thinking about how I can contribute more positively to the world. This is a quick and easy read, full of short stories from Judge Caprio's early life, upbringing, and days in the courtroom. I would recommend this to friends.

I picked up this book because I love Caught in Providence, and it did not disappoint! Judge Caprio’s storytelling is heartwarming, relatable, and filled with the kind of wisdom and kindness that we all need more of in our lives. His anecdotes, drawn from his experiences as the son of immigrant parents, resonated deeply with me and reminded me of the stories my grandpa used to share.
Throughout the book, Caprio offers a glimpse into his life and career, blending humor, compassion, and life lessons in a way that makes the reader feel like they’re sitting down with an old friend. His unwavering belief in fairness, empathy, and second chances is truly inspiring. If we had more judges—and people—like Caprio, the world would undoubtedly be a much better place.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
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