Appeals Court Blocks Ex-Prisoner From Taking Office in New Orleans
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Calvin Duncan, elected as New Orleans' criminal court clerk, arrived at the courthouse on Monday but left hours later amid legal uncertainty about his job.
- The Republican-controlled state legislature passed a law eliminating his position as part of a judicial system reduction, prompting Duncan to sue.
- A lower court temporarily blocked the law on Sunday, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit stayed that ruling on Monday morning, preventing Duncan from assuming office.
- Duncan, a Democrat and former inmate exonerated after 28 years in prison, gained attention for his underdog campaign and significant election victory.
- The legislative move to cut his office was part of a broader plan to reduce the number of judges in New Orleans, complicating Duncan's transition into office.
