New Orleans Man Exonerated Wins Election as Court Clerk
BREAKING NEWS: Calvin Duncan, a New Orleans man who spent over three decades wrongfully imprisoned, has just won the election to serve as the city’s chief criminal court record keeper. This historic victory comes on the heels of his exoneration and is a significant milestone for justice reform in Louisiana.
Duncan, 62, captured 68% of the vote in the runoff election held on November 15, 2023, decisively defeating incumbent Democrat Darren Lombard, who received 46%. This election victory not only marks a personal triumph for Duncan but also highlights the urgent need for reforms in a system he has dedicated his life to improving.
After being convicted for a 1981 murder he did not commit, Duncan fought tirelessly to clear his name. In 2021, a judge vacated his conviction based on new evidence revealing police misconduct, including false testimony. His story is now enshrined in the National Registry of Exonerations, where he stands as a symbol of resilience and justice.
“The facts, the law, and the procedural history are clear: Calvin Duncan was wrongfully convicted, he has proved his innocence, and he is now fully exonerated,” a letter signed by over 160 legal professionals stated.
Despite his exoneration, Duncan faced a challenge during his campaign. Lombard repeatedly claimed in debates and media appearances that Duncan was still guilty. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also publicly denied Duncan’s innocence, further complicating the narrative surrounding his candidacy.
Duncan’s journey is a powerful testament to the human spirit. Initially sentenced with only an eighth-grade education, he became a legal expert while incarcerated, assisting fellow inmates in contesting their convictions. His advocacy played a crucial role in a landmark US Supreme Court ruling that abolished non-unanimous jury convictions in Louisiana and Oregon.
As the newly elected clerk, Duncan aims to transform the city’s outdated criminal court system, which still relies heavily on paper files. He has expressed a commitment to ensuring fair treatment and greater respect for court records. This is particularly urgent in light of recent incidents where critical court documents were mistakenly discarded, leading to a desperate search through a landfill to recover them.
“I want to congratulate Calvin Duncan on his victory,” Lombard said in a statement following the election. “I stand ready to support a smooth and professional transition so that the important work of this office continues without interruption.”
Duncan’s election signals a pivotal moment for New Orleans, raising hopes for reforms that prioritize justice and transparency. As he embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on how he implements changes that could impact countless lives within the city’s legal system.
Stay tuned for more updates on Duncan’s plans and the future of New Orleans’ criminal court system. This election reflects a growing movement towards accountability and reform in the face of systemic injustices.
