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Exonerated Calvin Duncan Sworn Clerk Amid Merger Push

4/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Calvin Duncan was sworn in as Orleans Parish criminal court clerk, assuming office May 4.
Senate Bill 256, passed April 8, would merge the criminal clerk role into civil clerk’s office, making Chelsey Richard Napoleon the sole clerk, with Governor Jeff Landry saying he will sign if the House approves.
Duncan, exonerated in 2021 after a wrongful 1981 murder conviction and 30 years in prison, said he wants to help others access court records.

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Story summary

Calvin Duncan was sworn in as Orleans Parish criminal court clerk, assuming office May 4.
Senate Bill 256, passed April 8, would merge the criminal clerk role into civil clerk’s office, making Chelsey Richard Napoleon the sole clerk, with Governor Jeff Landry saying he will sign if the House approves.
Duncan, exonerated in 2021 after a wrongful 1981 murder conviction and 30 years in prison, said he wants to help others access court records.