Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court sworn in as lawmakers seek to eliminate position

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - More than 100 people gathered to show their support for Calvin Duncan as he took the oath of office on the steps of Orleans Criminal Court, nearly two weeks before he can assume office.

Duncan secured 68 percent of the vote last year. He is set to take office on May 4, but legislation moving through the state legislature could eliminate his position before he begins.

Senate Bill 256 would consolidate the duties of the New Orleans clerk of criminal court with the clerk of civil court. The civil court clerk would assume all of the duties if that happens. Orleans Parish is the only parish with two clerks of court.

“I had worked very hard for this moment, and this is what I’m concentrating on,” Duncan said.

Duncan wore a pin in opposition to the bill during his swearing-in. He believes the legislation to remove his position is political.

“It’s trying to relive reconstruction time. They’re trying to beat the record. I hope they don’t beat the record. That’s what I think they’re doing and not all of the lawmakers,” Duncan said.

Duncan spent almost 30 years in prison for a 1981 murder before a judge ruled he had been unjustly convicted and vacated his sentence in 2021.

He believes the criminal clerk’s office needs an overhaul to function more effectively and make it easier for people, especially those incarcerated, to obtain records.

“I will always, always help people that need help getting access to our courts,” Duncan said.

Mayor Moreno opposes the consolidation idea.

“This sets a very scary precedent and that’s why, like I said, you’re now hearing Republican lawmakers speak up. This is not the right thing to do,” Moreno said.

Governor Landry maintains the legislation will streamline Orleans Parish courts.

“I think that anybody who makes it about one particular person is certainly just trying to gaslight people and just try to bring things into the equation that really have no bearing. This is not even relevant, has nothing to do with him,” Landry said.

Senator Jay Morris of Monroe authored the legislation and says the goal is to save the state and the city of New Orleans money. He says the governor will sign the bill if passed.

New Orleans Senator Royce Duplesis opposes the bill.

“My belief is if he does that, than there will be several grounds that a federal lawsuit can be filed,” Duplesis said.

The legislation heads to the full House. If the bill passes, Duncan might not take office.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Click Here to report it. Please include the headline.

Subscribe to the Fox 8 YouTube channel.