Judges are human: don’t be so surprised—it’s true! A judge isn’t a robotic umpire created by common-law anthropology.
Frank Caprio, widely known as the nicest judge in history and geography, served as a judge in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. He earned worldwide praise for his extraordinary compassion in the courtroom. Millions learned about him through the television show ‘Caught in Providence,’ which showcased his interactions with ordinary people.
His reputation was built not only on legal expertise but also on kindness, patience, and empathy shown to litigants, witnesses, and even bystanders.
Caprio’s passing last week at just 88 leaves behind more than memories; it leaves a judicial philosophy that could reshape judicial education and practice. He exemplified a style of justice that is both firm and gentle, lawful and humane, authoritative yet deeply personal.
This legacy raises a crucial question: Should his approach be systematically studied, taught, and possibly incorporated into judicial training?
I coined the term “Capriology” to describe the study and practice of Caprio’s judicial philosophy, especially his intentional kindness toward litigants and witnesses. Capriology does not suggest lowering standards of judicial responsibility or turning courtrooms into sentimental shows.
Instead, it urges careful reflection on how a judge can interpret and apply the law with integrity while respecting the humanity of those who appear before the bench. In short, Capriology is the jurisprudence of kindness. It recognizes that courts are not just judgment thrones but also spaces for meaningful human interaction.
The systematic teaching of Capriology would emphasize empathy, compassion, and dignity as integral to judging, while preserving fidelity to the rule of law. It urges judges to view litigants not as docket entries but as human beings with fears, aspirations, histories, and vulnerabilities. In doing so, Capriology fosters an ethic of judicial care that complements judicial rigor.
Law is a human creation meant to regulate human affairs. Removing the human element from law risks turning it into a blunt, mechanical tool of oppression. Judges must stay alert that their decisions impact more than just the legal record and extend into the everyday lives of citizens. Capriology requires that judges openly and bravely recognize these aspects of human consequence.
The immediate beneficiaries of Capriology are litigants and witnesses. A judge who treats them with dignity can transform the courtroom from a place of fear into a space of respect. Even when outcomes are unfavorable, litigants are more willing to accept rulings and trust the justice system. But the benefits go even further.
Caprio’s example shows that judicial kindness boosts the well-being of judges themselves, reducing stress, increasing joy, and giving a renewed sense of purpose. In this way, Capriology becomes not just a gift to litigants but also a form of judicial self-care.
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