A New Chapter for Calvin Duncan: From Wrongful Conviction to Elected Official
Calvin Duncan, a 62-year-old man who spent three decades in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, has been elected as the new clerk of criminal court in New Orleans. This remarkable turn of events is a testament to Duncan’s unwavering determination and the power of the human spirit. Despite being wrongfully convicted of murder in 1981, Duncan never gave up fighting for his freedom and his rights. His conviction was finally vacated in 2021, after he uncovered evidence that police officers had lied in court.
Duncan’s journey to elected office is a remarkable one. With only an eighth-grade education, he became a legal expert while incarcerated, helping other inmates challenge unconstitutional practices. He later became a lawyer and has dedicated his life to advocating for criminal justice reform. His campaign for clerk of criminal court was driven by a desire to ensure that no one else suffers the same fate as him. As he stated, “I decided to run for office because I don’t want what happened to me to happen to anyone else.”
A Victory for Justice and Accountability
Duncan’s election is not only a personal victory but also a victory for justice and accountability. He won with an impressive 68% of the vote, despite his opponent, incumbent Darren Lombard, claiming that Duncan was guilty of the crime. Duncan’s campaign received support and funding from a network of advocates for criminal justice reform, and his victory is seen as a significant step forward for the city’s criminal justice system. As Duncan said in a statement, “Tonight is a dream that’s been forty years in the making. I hope that all those people who died in prison because we couldn’t get their records are looking down now. I hope they’re proud of me.”
Duncan’s election has also highlighted the need for reform in the city’s criminal court system, which still relies on paper files. In August, court records were mistakenly discarded, leading the clerk’s office to wade ankle-deep through a landfill to retrieve them. Duncan has pledged to ensure that records are treated with greater care and respect, and that the city’s digital filing system is implemented as soon as possible.
A New Era for New Orleans
Duncan’s victory is not only a new chapter for him but also a new era for the city of New Orleans. His election is seen as a significant step forward for the city’s criminal justice system, and his commitment to reform and accountability is expected to bring about positive change. As Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill denied Duncan’s innocence, despite over 160 legal professionals attesting to his exoneration, Duncan’s victory is a testament to the power of the people and the importance of standing up for what is right.
In 2020, Duncan’s legal advocacy drove the U.S. Supreme Court to end non-unanimous jury convictions in Louisiana and Oregon, a practice rooted in the Jim Crow era. His work has been recognized nationally, and his election is seen as a significant step forward for the city’s criminal justice system. As Duncan takes office in January, he is expected to bring about positive change and ensure that the city’s criminal court system is fair, just, and accountable.
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