Calvin Duncan was exonerated after spending 30 years in jail for crime he did not commit. Duncan was overwhelmingly elected into the Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court position. State lawmakers have eliminated the longstanding position before he can take office.

Calvin Duncan, who became a lawyer and an advocate for incarcerated people, was recently elected criminal court clerk in New Orleans. Louisiana lawmakers are racing to abolish the office altogether before he assumes it on May 4.

[image or embed]

-- The New York Times (@nytimes.com) Apr 23, 2026 at 2:15 PM