In this episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, Judge Frank Caprio shares his life story and philosophy of justice, shaped by his upbringing in a family that valued compassion over material wealth. Drawing from his father's example as a milkman who helped struggling families and his own experiences in law, Caprio explains how he developed his approach to justice—one that emphasizes empathy and human dignity in the courtroom.
The conversation explores how Caprio's principles have resonated globally through his show "Caught in Providence" and his presence on social media. At 88 years old and facing health challenges, Caprio discusses his perspectives on what makes a good life, the importance of staying engaged in community service, and his enduring commitment to helping others despite personal obstacles.
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Judge Frank Caprio grew up in a family that, while financially limited, was rich in moral values. His father, a milkman, demonstrated extraordinary compassion by personally covering milk bills for struggling families. These early experiences shaped Caprio's future approach to law and justice. Following his father's encouragement and belief in education, Caprio pursued a career in law, maintaining a commitment to never charge poor clients for his services.
A pivotal moment in Caprio's career came when his father challenged his decision regarding a struggling mother's unpaid fines, teaching him to consider the human impact of his judicial decisions. This experience led Caprio to adopt a guiding principle of empathy in every case. In his courtroom, he prioritizes compassion over strict legalism, often involving children in the process and treating all defendants with dignity and respect.
Through his show "Caught in Providence," which has aired for over 25 years, Judge Caprio's unique approach to justice has reached a global audience. His viral videos have garnered over 10 billion views, and at 88 years old, he has become an internet phenomenon with millions of followers across social platforms. His bestselling book "Compassion in the Court" further shares his life lessons and emphasizes the importance of kindness and understanding.
Despite facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Judge Caprio maintains unwavering faith and optimism. He approaches his illness with determination, focusing on family and helping others. Caprio believes that a "good life" means being a good family member and friend while finding joy in serving others. He encourages retired individuals to stay engaged in their communities through volunteering and civic activities, embodying his belief that life's value lies in supporting and uplifting others.
1-Page Summary
Born into a family that was short on financial resources but rich in moral values, Judge Frank Caprio learned profound lessons about compassion and the importance of helping others from his parents.
Frank Caprio was raised to be tough and work hard due to limited resources. The values of empathy and assistance were ingrained in him by his father, a milkman who went beyond expectations to support his customers, sometimes even paying their bills out of his own pocket. One formative experience for Caprio was when his father explained their living conditions in a cold water flat, emphasizing the need to be resilient.
Judge Caprio's father didn't accept the company's policy of denying milk—the essential nutrition for a child—to families who couldn’t pay their bills. Instead, Caprio’s father would ensure children had milk and sometimes cover the costs himself. In doing so, he taught Caprio the importance of supporting those in need.
Despite his family's financial challenges, Caprio's father held education in high regard, often stressing that Caprio and his siblings must attend college. Following his father's encouragement and dedication to education, Caprio resisted job offers after high school to pursue higher education. His father's dream became his own.
Frank Caprio recalls when he was 12 years old and his father proclaimed he would become a lawyer because he was articulate. That statement, accompanied by a reassuring hand on the shoulder, charted the course for Caprio's future career.
Judge Caprio was taught by his father not to charge the poor for his services as a lawyer but rather to earn from the wealthier clients. True ...
Judge Caprio's Background, Values, and Guiding Principles
Frank Caprio shares the compassionate philosophy he employs in his courtroom, highlighting the vital role of empathy and concern for the individuals and families who appear before him, especially when children are present.
A pivotal moment in his career reshaped his approach to justice when Caprio refused to remove a boot from a mother's car over unpaid fines. Challenged by his father, who had observed the court proceedings, Caprio learned a critical lesson in empathy. His father pointed out that, despite Caprio's view that the woman was not respecting the court, she was a mother of four struggling to make ends meet. This encounter impressed upon Caprio the importance of considering the human impact of his judicial decisions.
Caprio acknowledges that this early experience, coupled with his father's admonishment, taught him the profound importance of empathy in his role as a judge. He recognized the necessity of understanding the circumstances of the people who come before him and the ripple effect his decisions can have on their families.
Moved by his upbringing and family values, Caprio adopted a guiding principle of empathy that has informed his every decision on the bench. He mentions several instances where he leaned heavily on compassion, allowing people the chance to change their lives for the better. Instead of strictly adhering to legalistic approaches, he endeavors to place himself in the shoes of the person before him and respond with the kindness and understanding he would hope for himself.
Caprio remarks that he has always tried to use his position to contribute positively to society. He states, "I exercise them [compassion and understanding]. It's very simple. Just put yourself in the shoes of the person before you. How do you want them to treat you?"
By involving children ...
Judge Caprio's Approach and Lessons Learned
Judge Frank Caprio's approach in the courtroom has resonated with millions around the globe, garnering him admiration for his wisdom and compassion.
For over 25 years, Judge Caprio’s show "Caught in Providence," which began airing on public access television in Rhode Island and eventually went into syndication on 200 stations, has allowed the world to witness his unique blend of justice and empathy. Caprio himself expresses amazement at the impact his actions on the show have had worldwide.
Caprio has been affectionately known as America's nicest judge, and his televised kindness has inspired billions. The judicial proceedings have been shared across the internet, with viral videos from the show reaching more than 10 billion views. Mel Robbins indicates that it is not just the television presence but also the clips circulating online that have captured hearts globally.
At the age of 88, Judge Caprio has leveraged his platform to spread decency, empathy, and uplift others, becoming an internet phenomenon. He boasts 2.9 million followers on Instagram, 1.4 million on TikTok, 2 million on Facebook, and over a hundred million views on YouTube. Judge Caprio is recognized for his ability to change lives by treating everyone he meets—as shown in his court—with the respect and care one would give a friend or family member.
As a global symbol of what matters in an often challenged world, Judge Caprio has leveraged his platform not only to adjudicate but also to set an example of decency and compassion.
"Compassion in the Court" is anothe ...
Judge Caprio's Wise and Compassionate Legacy
Frank Caprio, facing a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, shares his personal reflections and philosophies on life, mortality, and overcoming adversity.
Upon receiving his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Judge Caprio turns to his unwavering faith and spiritual foundation. He articulates that his first priority when confronting difficulties is his religion, and although he doesn't consider himself a "holy roller," his strong Catholic faith and belief in the power of prayer help him navigate challenging times. This deeply rooted spirituality leads him to scrutinize his life decisions and their influence on those around him. Caprio views prayer as a pivotal force that carries him through life's storms.
Despite the grave nature of his diagnosis, which he describes as a non-curable "death sentence," Caprio's resolve remains unshaken. He approaches his illness with a combination of determination and optimism, focusing on cherishing his family and finding purpose through helping others. Caprio believes that being a pillar of strength for his loved ones is vital, and he's dedicated to setting an exemplary standard of resilience. Fortunate to receive excellent care from renowned medical teams, he commits to living with cancer as best as he can for as long as possible, embodying a stout-hearted response to adversity.
Moreover, Caprio underscores the value of kindness and the significant impact of small acts of compassion toward others in need. He feels a sense of pleasure in offering assistance to people and perceives service to others as an integral component of a fulfilling life.
Caprio's ...
Judge Caprio's Perspective on Life, Death, and Challenges
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