Calvin Duncan’s Vision as Clerk:
Justice & Fairness
The Clerk of Criminal Court is critical to the functioning of our legal system. Calvin Duncan will make the Clerk’s Office run with competence, efficiency, and a deep respect for every person who interacts with the criminal court system - crime survivors, defendants, and the public alike.
The Clerk is also New Orleans’ Chief Election Officer, a vital role in the face of growing threats to our election integrity. Calvin will stand strong against political interference and safeguard our right to vote.
Platform
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1. Preserve case records and evidence.
The Clerk is required to maintain all court records and physical evidence in criminal cases. Unfortunately, the Office routinely misplaces files, mishandles evidence, and denies people access to documents they are entitled to. That can lead to wrongful convictions and failed prosecutions, which make all of us less safe.
As Clerk, Calvin will:
- Ensure crime evidence and case records are properly stored – never thrown in a landfill, as happened under the current Clerk’s watch.
- Digitize all records to preserve them, as almost every Clerk’s Office in the state has.
- Implement a strict chain of custody so no one can misplace or tamper with evidence.
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2. Make court more efficient and accessible.
The Clerk’s Office has no online filing or digital records. Everything must be done in person during business hours. That slows down the entire court process and makes it difficult for working people and incarcerated folks to exercise their rights.
- Make records available online so people can access them anywhere, any time of day.
- Implement online filing to make the court system more efficient and reduce clerical errors.
- Provide useful information to help everyday people navigate the court system in person and online.
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3. Ensure fair and transparent elections.
The Clerk is New Orleans’ Chief Elections Officer – a role that is more important than ever given the growing threats to our voting rights. Calvin has stood up for people’s constitutional rights for decades, even at great personal risk to himself, and won’t bow down to political pressure or intimidation.
- Secure voting machines and preserve all election records.
- Protect against any attempts at election interference or political intimidation.
- Bring the community clear and accurate information on how elections work and how to register and vote.
