Criminal Justice Archives | The Lens

A four-panel collage of Calvin Duncan speaking animatedly during an interview with The Lens. He wears glasses, a checkered shirt, and a t-shirt, using expressive hand gestures as he shares his story. The background is clean and white, highlighting his emotion and energy in each frame.

Criminal Justice

From prison to justice

by Calvin Duncan interviewed by Bernard SmithJuly 8, 2025July 9, 2025

Calvin Duncan’s fight to free himself and others from a broken system — an interview by Bernard Smith.

Portrait of Calvin Duncan, author of "The Jailhouse Lawyer," gazing confidently at the camera with his hand resting under his chin. He wears a checkered shirt over a t-shirt, and the background is a clean, bright white, emphasizing his thoughtful expression.

Criminal Justice

‘We helped each other. We taught each other the law.’

by Calvin Duncan and Sophie CullJuly 8, 2025July 8, 2025

‘I saw this coming.’

by Maryam Henderson-UlohoJuly 2, 2025July 3, 2025

Hardy and Chantele Els, along with another rider, smile while holding their custom lowrider bicycles under the Claiborne Overpass during the Ride for Peace in New Orleans. Other participants with colorful bikes gather in the background, preparing to begin the community event.

Criminal Justice

‘Ride for Peace’ Brings New Orleanians together to interrupt violence and build community

by Gus BennettJuly 1, 2025July 2, 2025

black and white cctv cameras

NOPD is using images of you from more than 5,000 cameras across the city

by Matthew WollenweberJune 29, 2025June 30, 2025

Criminal Justice

Judge extends safeguards for Angola’s Farm Line for 90 more days

by Bernard SmithJune 24, 2025June 25, 2025

A towering, austere view of the House of Detention in New Orleans, set against a dramatic, swirling sky.

Criminal Justice

The towering legacy of the House of Detention

by Bernard SmithJune 20, 2025June 25, 2025

Dan Bright was my brother. Death Row didn’t kill us, but it tried.

by Shareef CousinJune 15, 2025June 25, 2025

Criminal Justice

Only those who have experienced jail can understand the bigger picture

by Bernard SmithMay 30, 2025May 30, 2025

The New Orleans jailbreak: crisis, blame, and a system built to break

by Gus BennettMay 28, 2025May 28, 2025