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Exonerated Lawyer's Court Clerk Role Threatened by GOP

4/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Calvin Duncan, an exonerated former prison lawyer, was ceremonially sworn in as Clerk of Criminal Court in New Orleans on April 21.
Republicans led by Gov. Jeff Landry seek to eliminate the post before Duncan takes office May 4.
State Sen. Jay Morris says reducing court positions saves money, though the impact is minimal.
Duncan calls the moves retaliatory.
Mayor Helena Moreno says the action undermines democracy and voters' will.

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Story summary

Calvin Duncan, an exonerated former prison lawyer, was ceremonially sworn in as Clerk of Criminal Court in New Orleans on April 21.
Republicans led by Gov. Jeff Landry seek to eliminate the post before Duncan takes office May 4.
State Sen. Jay Morris says reducing court positions saves money, though the impact is minimal.
Duncan calls the moves retaliatory.
Mayor Helena Moreno says the action undermines democracy and voters' will.