Calvin Duncan, a former prisoner who was elected as the criminal court clerk for New Orleans, was blocked from taking office by an appeals court on May 4, 2026. Duncan had arrived at the courthouse on Monday, May 4, at 7:50 a.m., his first day as the city's elected criminal court clerk, but was prevented from assuming his duties due to the court's ruling.
The appeals court decision stems from a legal challenge questioning Duncan's eligibility under Louisiana law, which prohibits certain convicted felons from holding public office. Duncan, who was previously incarcerated, had won the election in a runoff in December 2025, but the court's order temporarily halts his swearing-in pending further review.
Duncan's predecessor showed him where evidence was stored, and his new staff explained the filing system for case records, but the court's intervention has left the office in legal limbo. The case is expected to proceed to the Louisiana Supreme Court for a final determination.
