NEW ORLEANS — Calvin Duncan, a man who was wrongfully convicted and spent three decades in prison, is making headlines as he was elected as the Clerk of Criminal Court in New Orleans with an impressive 68% of the vote. Duncan's journey to exoneration was marked by his relentless fight to prove his innocence after being charged with a fatal shooting in 1981. Through meticulous research, he discovered that police had fabricated evidence against him, leading to his conviction being overturned in 2021.

Despite facing opposition from incumbent Darren Lombard, who argued Duncan's guilt in public debates, Duncan's victory signifies a profound change and hope within the city. Many legal experts have publicly confirmed his innocence, lending credibility to his claims of wrongful conviction.

Utilizing his harsh experiences in prison as motivation, Duncan became a legal expert and advocate for other inmates battling injustices. He is also credited with pushing the U.S. Supreme Court to end non-unanimous jury convictions, a practice that was a remnant of Jim Crow laws.

Now, as the new Clerk of Criminal Court, Duncan aims to enhance transparency and fairness within the judicial system, ensuring that records are treated with due respect and care, amidst a system still encumbered by outdated paper records. His goal is to modernize the process and ensure equitable access to justice for all New Orleanians.