What ‘World’s Nicest Judge’ Frank Caprio told UAE students

Judge Frank Caprio.

PHOTO BY SUPPLIED

‘World’s Nicest Judge’ Caprio’s best advice in UAE

Famous American judge Frank Caprio inspired UAE students during a recent visit to the American University of Sharjah (AUS).

Caprio addressed AUS students on Thursday (September 14), on the sidelines of the International Government Communication Forum where he was the keynote speaker.

Judge Caprio is former Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Providence in the US and his compassionate rulings made him a global viral sensation on social media, earning him the reputation as “The Nicest Judge in the World.”

At AUS, Judge Caprio told students that education, perseverance and compassion are the key to success. “What matters is not what you do in life, but what you leave behind,” Caprio said.

During his AUS visit, Judge Caprio met with AUS Chancellor Dr. Susan Mumm and was briefed about the history of the university, its programs and student body.

“It is not important how you start but how you finish. Study hard, go out, conquer the world and never give up. Perseverance is key. Remember the road is not paved with gold and it is bumpy so don’t you ever quit,” he said during his visit to an American History class at the university.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Judge Caprio shared that he came from a humble immigrant family who believed in the transformative power of education. He said his modest beginnings and family love were the driving force behind his success.

“My mother always said, people will take away many things from you in life but can never take away your education. What you do now will dictate the rest of your future. Remember, the family is the basic unit of society and when you start your own, everything you do will affect them. You will set an example for your children. Sometimes we pay attention to small things and forget about the bigger issues like being good to your neighbour, helping people in need, taking care of your health and so on,” he said.

Growing up on Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island, Judge Caprio 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 modest apartment, it was his family’s love that 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 improve the lives of those around him.

Caprio, 86, became a social media superstar via “Caught in Providence,” a TV airing of his live court proceedings that started in 1987.

“When I make a decision it can effect someone’s livelihood, their life and their families lives,” Caprio told The New York Post. “One thing I’ve committed myself to is to treat people with respect, compassion and understanding … and I try to place myself in the shoes of the people before me. He also has a soft spot for children, often allowing them to participate and help decide penalties to impose on their parents.

“I don’t wear a badge under my robe — I wear a heart,” said Caprio, who was the Providence Municipal Court Judge since 1985 and now Chief Judge Emeritus.

Judge Caprio and his wife of almost six decades, Joyce Caprio, have five children, seven grandchildren, and two great grand-children. ICA/Expat Media

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