Trending Now - Exoneree Calvin Duncan Takes Office After Legal Victory in Louisiana
WHO:
ABC News - Calvin Duncan, a Louisiana exoneree, has assumed the role of clerk of New Orleans’ criminal district courthouse.
The Guardian - Jeff Landry, the Republican governor of Louisiana, signed legislation abolishing the clerk position.
The Guardian - John deGravelles, a federal judge, issued a ruling regarding the legality of the law eliminating Duncan's office.
The Guardian - Liz Murrill, the state attorney general, is involved in potential appeals against the ruling.
The Guardian - Mandie Landry, a Democratic state representative, expressed concerns about the Republican efforts against Duncan.
The Guardian - Jay Morris, a Republican state senator, authored the legislation to consolidate clerk offices.
WHAT:
ABC News - A federal judge temporarily blocked the state from eliminating the clerk position, allowing Duncan to take office.
The Guardian - Duncan won the election for the clerk position with more than two-thirds of the vote.
The Guardian - The legislation to eliminate the clerk position was signed into law on a Thursday.
The Guardian - The law is expected to save the state about $27,000 and the city $233,000.
The Guardian - Duncan's murder conviction was vacated in 2021 after evidence of police misconduct emerged.
The Guardian - Duncan stated he was “elated because the people’s right to vote is being honored”.
WHERE:
ABC News - New Orleans, Louisiana, is the location of the clerk position Duncan has assumed.
The Guardian - The legislation affects the New Orleans-based clerk of criminal court position.
WHEN:
The Guardian - Duncan was set to take office on a Monday.
The Guardian - A status conference was scheduled for Monday afternoon to discuss the injunction.
WHY:
The Guardian - Republicans claim the elimination of the office is a consolidation effort to improve efficiency and cut costs.
The Guardian - Democrats argue the change is government overreach and infringes on the voting rights of a predominantly Black city.
HOW:
The Guardian - A temporary restraining order was issued by Judge DeGravelles to halt the law from taking effect.
The Guardian - The legislation consolidates the civil and criminal court clerks’ offices in New Orleans.
(UPDATED May 4, 2026 17:25 UTC)
Calvin Duncan, a Louisiana exoneree, has officially taken on the role of clerk of New Orleans’ criminal district courthouse, following a federal judge's temporary block of legislation aimed at eliminating the position. Governor Jeff Landry signed this controversial law, which was authored by Republican state senator Jay Morris, claiming it would save the state and city significant funds, but Democrats argue it undermines voting rights in a predominantly Black city. Duncan, who won his election with more than two-thirds of the vote, expressed his elation at the ruling, emphasizing the importance of honoring the people's right to vote.