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.

“Judge Frank Caprio passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer,” the statement began. “Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond.”