In the upcoming elections for the New Orleans Clerk of Criminal Court, Calvin Duncan finds himself in the middle of a bitter debate surrounding his past conviction and subsequent claim of exoneration. After spending 30 years behind bars for a crime he maintains he did not commit, Duncan's conviction was vacated in 2021. His opponents, including the Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, allege that Duncan's claims of innocence are misleading, pointing to his prior plea deal for manslaughter. They assert that these legal matters cast doubt on the legitimacy of his status as an exonerated individual.
Duncan, now 62, has dedicated his post-incarceration life to law, teaching himself to navigate the complexities of the system that once trapped him. 'I don’t never want to have what happened to me happen to nobody else,' Duncan has said, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the court records are accurate and equitable. His bid for office is personal; he aims to ensure that others are not wronged in similar ways.
Despite the challenges, many see Duncan's journey as a testament to resilience and hope. His supporters argue that the attacks on his character reflect the ugly side of New Orleans politics, which is especially heightened with numerous candidates competing to replace the term-limited Mayor LaToya Cantrell. The election is set for Saturday, and voter sentiment remains divided amidst the backdrop of a politically charged atmosphere.
Furthermore, Duncan's unique perspective as a former inmate gives him a distinctive edge, he claims. 'I’ve seen and experienced firsthand when a clerk's office does not function properly,' he says, criticizing the system built on antiquated practices.
As tensions rise and the election approaches, the narrative surrounding Duncan’s exoneration will likely play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this contentious race.
Duncan, now 62, has dedicated his post-incarceration life to law, teaching himself to navigate the complexities of the system that once trapped him. 'I don’t never want to have what happened to me happen to nobody else,' Duncan has said, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring the court records are accurate and equitable. His bid for office is personal; he aims to ensure that others are not wronged in similar ways.
Despite the challenges, many see Duncan's journey as a testament to resilience and hope. His supporters argue that the attacks on his character reflect the ugly side of New Orleans politics, which is especially heightened with numerous candidates competing to replace the term-limited Mayor LaToya Cantrell. The election is set for Saturday, and voter sentiment remains divided amidst the backdrop of a politically charged atmosphere.
Furthermore, Duncan's unique perspective as a former inmate gives him a distinctive edge, he claims. 'I’ve seen and experienced firsthand when a clerk's office does not function properly,' he says, criticizing the system built on antiquated practices.
As tensions rise and the election approaches, the narrative surrounding Duncan’s exoneration will likely play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this contentious race.
