Judge about to Pass Ruling Calls Defendant's Little Son to the Bench

When a five-year-old attended court proceedings for his father's ruling, he didn't expect the judge to invite him up to the bench—what happened next had everyone in the courtroom laughing.

Attendees in Providence, Rhode Island, experienced something extraordinary in Judge Frank Caprio's courtroom. The elderly judge who had ruled in the local municipal court since 1985 was a wise man who treated everyone with respect.

When a man was charged with a traffic violation in 2015, he brought his son along for the proceedings. The judge treated both of them in an exemplary manner that touched millions of people who viewed a recording of the court session.

THE CONSIDERATE JUDGE

No one imagined the little boy, named Jacob, would become the center of attention, but he did after Judge Caprio invited him up to the bench. The judge asked the youngster about himself and what he wanted to be when he was older.

Jacob revealed that he wanted to work as a cook because he enjoyed helping his dad in their pizza store. The judge took a genuine interest in his life before asking an important question.

HE ASKED FOR THE BOY'S OPINION

Judge Caprio told Jacob that he had three choices regarding the charge against his father. He said: "I can fine him $90, I can charge him $30, or I can charge him nothing. What do you think I should do?"

After some consideration, Jacob suggested that his father be fined $30. The answer caused laughter to erupt from the courtroom as many enjoyed the sweet moment. The judge then shared advice with Jacob before making a suggestion.

THE CREATIVE RULING

The judge did not charge the father; instead, he ruled that he take his son for breakfast. Judge Caprio told the youngster to order lots of food because he had saved his father $30. The creative ruling touched many people.

Netizens applauded the judge for connecting with the citizens who came through his courtroom. One user said: "This judge is so respectful, funny, and he wins over everyone's heart. I wish all judges were like him."

THE ONLINE REACTION

Another commenter called Caprio his favorite judge. They added: "Wise, merciful, respectful of other rights, and at the same time straightforward with the guilty. And this kid is a little genius. So smart for such an early age."

Many also noticed that the judge asked the father's permission before the boy sat on his lap. This show of respect was called "rare," and many stated that the legal system would be better if there were more judges like Caprio.

THE JUDGE CALLED ANOTHER CHILD TO HIS BENCH

Judge Caprio has gained a large following because of his kindness in the courtroom. A video shared in 2020 showcased his compassion once again as he processed a mother's case.

The woman brought her toddler along, and it was the beginning of a special day in court. Caprio realized the woman had been charged earlier in the same year after her son was admitted to the intensive care unit.

HE EMPATHIZED WITH THEM

This time around, she was given a parking ticket after collecting her daughter's birth certificate. She told the judge she had just lost her husband to cancer, and he could see that the family faced a tough year.

He invited the adorable toddler up to his bench and allowed her to declare that her mother was not guilty. In both cases, the judge empathized with the guilty parties, and thousands of people applauded his kindness.