New Orleans, LA — Louisiana officials are facing legal and political fallout after Republican lawmakers eliminated an elected court position just days before a newly elected Democrat was set to take office.
Gov. Jeff Landry signed legislation abolishing the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk position, replacing it with a consolidated system that merges duties into the civil clerk’s office. The move came shortly before Calvin Duncan, a former exoneree who won the race with about 68% of the vote, was scheduled to be sworn in.
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order allowing Duncan to take office Monday, ruling the law unconstitutional for now. However, the decision may be short-lived, as state officials are expected to appeal.
Republicans argue the change improves efficiency and aligns New Orleans with other parishes that operate under a single clerk system. They also cite projected cost savings, though some long-term financial impacts remain unclear.
Democrats and voting rights advocates say the move undermines the will of voters in a majority-Black city. Duncan, who spent nearly three decades incarcerated before being exonerated, said the ruling affirms voter rights, though uncertainty remains about how long he can serve.
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