Louisiana Senate Votes to Eliminate Newly Elected Criminal Court Clerk

Proposed legislation would merge Orleans Parish civil and criminal court clerk offices, cutting position won by Calvin Duncan

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:55am

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An abstract, fractured painting in shades of blue, purple, and grey depicting overlapping symbols of justice and democracy, conveying the political tensions surrounding proposed changes to the New Orleans court system.The Louisiana Senate's vote to eliminate the newly elected Orleans Parish criminal court clerk position exposes the political forces at play in the state's efforts to overhaul the New Orleans judicial system.New Orleans Today

The Louisiana Senate voted 25-11 to pass a bill that would merge the clerk's offices for Orleans Parish civil and criminal district courts into a single office, eliminating the position of Calvin Duncan, the incoming clerk of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court who was recently elected by 68% of voters. The bill is part of a larger effort by Sen. Jay Morris to overhaul the New Orleans court system, including cutting 11 judgeships across Orleans Parish.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation has drawn criticism from some lawmakers and residents who see it as politically motivated to unseat Duncan, who was recently elected after serving 28 years in prison on a wrongful murder conviction before being exonerated. Opponents argue the merger will create confusion, reduce funding, and override the will of voters.

The details

Senate Bill 256, authored by Sen. Jay Morris, would eliminate Duncan's position as the incoming clerk of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. Supporters say the consolidation will streamline operations and improve efficiency, while critics warn it is likely to create confusion, reduce funding, and override the will of voters. The Senate also passed two other bills authored by Morris that would cut a total of 11 judgeships across Orleans Parish.

  • On April 8, 2026, the Louisiana Senate voted 25-11 to pass Senate Bill 256.
  • The bills now go to the House for approval.

The players

Calvin Duncan

The incoming clerk of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, who was recently elected by 68% of voters after serving 28 years in prison on a wrongful murder conviction before being exonerated.

Sen. Jay Morris

The Monroe senator who authored the trio of bills focused on overhauling the New Orleans court system, including the legislation to merge the clerk's offices and eliminate Duncan's position.

Sen. Royce Duplessis

The Democratic senator from New Orleans who was the most vocal critic of the bills during the floor debate, arguing they were about power, not efficiencies, and disregarded the will of voters.

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What they’re saying

“This bill is to provide some efficiencies.”

— Sen. Jay Morris

“The civil district court clerk doesn't have a clue, doesn't have a clue on how the records are supposed to be preserved, and how to preserve evidence. She has no clue of how that works. Victims of crime will be affected by this.”

— Calvin Duncan, Incoming Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk

“We had an election there, and a candidate was selected by the people. My preference would have been for us to allow this individual to serve.”

— Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, Democrat from Lafayette

What’s next

The bills passed by the Senate now go to the Louisiana House for approval.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about the Louisiana legislature overriding the will of voters and the potential impacts on the New Orleans court system, raising questions about the true motivations behind the proposed changes.