US celebrity judge and social media star Frank Caprio has died aged 88, his family has said. Over a 40-year career in Rhode Island, he famously used compassion and humour to make judgements that took into consideration the personal circumstances of the people in the dock.

Judge Frank Caprio, the jurist called " the nicest judge in the world ," died Wednesday, Aug. 20, after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his family confirmed through social media.

The Rhode Island judge gained fame on social media for his compassionate approach, often listening to drivers who'd gotten parking tickets and giving them a break.