In brief
Calvin Duncan, who spent three decades in prison for a wrongful murder conviction, has been elected the new clerk of criminal court in New Orleans. Despite facing challenges from opponents regarding his past, Duncan garnered 68% of the vote after a hard-fought campaign. Having uncovered evidence of his wrongful conviction and advocating for others during his incarceration, he now aims to improve the access and treatment of court records. Duncan's election signifies a longstanding fight for justice and reform within the criminal justice system.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Calvin Duncan, a New Orleans man who spent 30 years in prison due to a wrongful murder conviction, has been elected city clerk of criminal court. Duncan, a Democrat, received 68% of the vote, overcoming skepticism regarding his past. His election signals a significant moment in the fight against wrongful convictions.
After being exonerated in 2021 for a 1981 shooting he did not commit, Duncan has become an advocate for legal reform, using his experiences to help others navigate the system. He has earned a place in the National Registry of Exonerations for his wrongful conviction.
Despite dialogue from his opponent, Darren Lombard, who claimed on various platforms that Duncan was guilty, Duncan’s victory ended Lombard’s tenure as city clerk. Duncan's some legal advocacy also played a role in ending non-unanimous jury convictions in Louisiana.
Duncan’s commitment to justice extends beyond his own experience; he aims to reform the process of how court records are maintained and accessed in a system that still relies heavily on paper. Recent mistakes, such as the accidental disposal of court records, highlight the urgent need for modernization.
Calvin Duncan, 62, intends to bring his insights from both a former inmate and a legal expert to improve court practices and ensure fair treatment for all citizens.
