The Viral Clips
If you’ve spent enough time scrolling through YouTube, chances are you’ve come across the viral courtroom clips from Caught in Providence. In those short videos, you’ll see a judge listening patiently to everyday people explaining why they got a parking ticket, why their car got booted, or why they ran through a red light. You’ll hear stories — some funny, some sad, some inspiring.
At first glance, it may seem like just another internet trend — light-hearted content meant to entertain. But behind those few minutes of courtroom kindness lies something deeper.
A Glimpse Beyond the Courtroom
I recently finished reading Judge Caprio’s memoir, Compassion in the Court, and it felt like stepping beyond the viral shorts, into the heart and mind of the man behind the bench. It was an enjoyable and insightful read.
The memoir traces Judge Caprio’s upbringing, career, and experiences — not only as a judge but also as an educator, a lawyer and a politician. Across these roles, one common thread runs through: his unwavering belief in serving others with dignity and kindness.
More Than Empathy
One of the first things that struck me in the introductory chapter was the subtle but meaningful distinction he draws between empathy and compassion. It reminded me of how, in law school, we learn the difference between motive and intention — seemingly similar, yet worlds apart.
Empathy is when you feel someone’s pain; compassion is when you are driven to do something to ease it.
And it is this quiet but firm belief in compassion that guides how he lives and leads in the courtroom.
Small Stories, Big Lessons
The memoir is filled with small, touching stories. Stories of how he learnt to listen beyond the facts and evidence, how he remained humble despite holding the power to decide fates, and how he carried immense gratitude toward the people who supported him along the way. Time and time again, he reminds readers that every person who stands before him is not just a case file — they are a human being with a story.
Throughout the book, he speaks about the importance of three values: compassion, respect, and understanding. From my view, these qualities can only grow when one begins with a heart of gratitude — something Judge Caprio never fails to show.
Some of the lines in the book stayed with me long after I finished reading:
“And sometimes, even when it looks like everything is against you, even acts of God, persistence can pay off. Don’t give up when it gets hard. Dig deep and keep going!”
(Chapter 9, “My Two-Year Gap”)
“It’s not a crime to get knocked down, but it’s a sin not to get back up.”
(Chapter 30, “A Helping Hand to Others”)
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
(Chapter 47, “The Road Less Traveled”)
The memoir isn’t lengthy. The language is plain. The stories are gentle. Yet every chapter holds a reminder that justice can carry warmth, and authority can show humility.
Wisdom from the Memoir
If you ever think kindness is a sign of weakness – think again.
It takes strength to listen when you could dismiss.
It takes courage to understand when you could judge.
And it takes compassion to change not just a verdict, but a life.