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#1 out of 299.69%
politics1h ago
Louisiana Republicans eliminate elected position days before an exoneree was set to take office
- Louisiana Republicans abolish the Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court position days before Calvin Duncan was to take office.
- The legislation consolidates civil and criminal clerk offices in Orleans Parish into a single clerk’s office.
- Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill, shifting roughly $1.17 million in state expenditures to the parish.
- Supporters say the move will make the local judicial system more efficient and reduce costs.
- Democrats warn the change could disenfranchise voters in a predominantly Black parish.
- Calvin Duncan, exonerated of murder, had won the seat with more than two-thirds of the vote.
- Duncan’s supporters feared ongoing reprisals against him from powerful Republicans.
- The bill author said the change would prevent Duncan from starting a four-year term.
- Lawmakers expect lawsuits over the constitutionality of the consolidation.
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