The judge told the man he was there with him to share his sorrow and the pain of losing his child
Judges often have a tough image, clad in black robes and delivering stern verdicts. However, 87-year-old former Justice Frank Caprio, dubbed the "world's nicest judge," breaks this mold. As an internet sensation, Caprio teaches the world about compassion through his show "Caught in Providence," where his empathetic courtroom interactions are broadcast. In one memorable instance, captured on YouTube, he was so touched by a driver’s story that he dismissed a substantial fine for running a red light.
When Jean Lucardi stepped into the courtroom, he was somber. But instead of diving into the case, Judge Caprio began by asking about Jean’s beard. This lighthearted exchange made Jean laugh and eased the courtroom’s tension. Jean, a Lyft driver, explained that he believed the light was yellow when he entered the intersection and only learned about the violation from a mailed notice. That day had been anything but ordinary after receiving a distressing call from his wife.
Jean’s wife was pregnant and had already endured four miscarriages. When she called to say she was bleeding, Jean immediately shut down his app and rushed to be with her. In his haste, he accidentally ran the red light. The judge learned that the couple had subsequently lost their fifth baby, though Jean's wife had recovered. Empathizing deeply, Judge Caprio dismissed the case, saying, “We all share in your sorrow at this unfortunate event. With that, we wish you and your family good health.”
Judge Caprio showed more concern for Jean than the case itself. After dismissing the charges, he took extra time to talk with Jean about his wife and life. “It’s a tough situation,” Jean shared. “She lost five kids. Five back-to-back is really tough. I put her in control so that she could heal herself. It is tough.” As Jean supported his wife through her healing, the judge offered compassion to help Jean heal his own heart.
Speaking about what inspires him to exude so much kindness and compassion, Judge Caprio once told the Seattle Times, “I think I should take into consideration whether somebody is sick and whether their mother died and whether they have kids who are starving,” declaring adorably, “I don’t wear a badge under my robe. I wear a heart under my robe.”
Share on Facebook
