NEW ORLEANS — As New Orleans prepares for its municipal elections, the race for clerk of criminal court has developed into an unexpected battleground, marked by personal attacks and disputed narratives about justice and exoneration. Calvin Duncan, a candidate with a remarkable backstory, is at the center of this fierce debate.

Duncan, 62, spent 30 years in prison for a murder conviction that was vacated by a judge in 2021. Having taught himself law while incarcerated, Duncan's motivation to become the city’s chief criminal recordkeeper is deeply personal. I don’t never want to have what happened to me happen to nobody else, he asserts.

Despite his achievements, including being listed in the National Registry of Exonerations, Duncan has faced significant pushback from Louisiana's attorney general Liz Murrill and incumbent clerk Darren Lombard, both questioning the validity of his exoneration. They spotlight a 2011 plea deal for manslaughter that Duncan argues he accepted only to regain his freedom.

With voters heading to the polls this Saturday, Duncan has accused his opponents of attempting to mislead the electorate. His campaign reflects a broader trend of aggressive politics in Louisiana, especially in light of ongoing controversies surrounding Mayor LaToya Cantrell's own legal troubles.

Jessica Paredes, executive director of the exoneration registry, insists that Duncan’s case unequivocally fits the criteria for exoneration, stating, Calvin’s exoneration was not one of these close calls. Legal experts note the complexity surrounding the definition of exoneration, often clouded by individual circumstances and political motivations.

As the campaign progresses, Duncan's past, shaped by wrongful conviction and a fierce fight for justice, stands in stark contrast to the contentious attacks he encounters. His story has even influenced legal precedents, contributing to a Supreme Court decision that abolished non-unanimous jury convictions in Louisiana and Oregon.

Moreover, Duncan’s tenure as a self-taught lawyer highlights his understanding of the systemic failures within the New Orleans criminal justice system. He emphasizes the importance of proper records management—a critical need underscored by a recent incident where significant court files were mistakenly thrown away.

Ultimately, Duncan's candidacy encapsulates a struggle not only for political office but for broader social justice and accountability within the flawed justice system of New Orleans.