8legs: State of louisiana

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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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