On Monday, thanks to a favorable decision, Duncan served as clerk of Criminal District Court for three hours, until the Fifth Circuit put a hold on that decision. Outside of court, he has become a newfound New Orleans celebrity.
The judge found Senate Bill 256 unconstitutional because the state abolished an office, created a new office to replace it, and then appointed someone for that office "all when the Louisiana Constitution requires an election."
Criminal justice reporter Bernard Smith and editor Katy Reckdahl examine Senate Bill 256 and the effort to eliminate the position won by Calvin Duncan, raising questions about consolidation, political power, and the will of voters.
Filings tracked by the Louisiana Supreme Court significantly undercount the number of people processed in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in 2025.
In ‘deeply troubling’ move, senators pass three bills, cutting Duncan’s Orleans clerk position along with 11 New Orleans judges.
Drastic legislative cuts would eliminate 11 judgeships and would defund the position of recently elected clerk Calvin Duncan.
Calvin Duncan, an uncommon man with an all-too-common story, is vying to become clerk of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court – and his campaign may have gathered enough momentum to draw fire from high-powered Louisiana officials.
Calvin Duncan’s unfinished mission for justice moves to a race for political office
