Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Louisiana Clerk Consolidation Law
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New Orleans. A federal judge on Sunday, May 3, blocked a Louisiana law that would eliminate the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court clerk position, allowing Calvin Duncan—who won the November election with 68% of the vote—to move forward to assume the office; the judge found the April 30 statute violated voting rights and granted a temporary restraining order. The order prevents Governor Jeff Landry and Secretary of State Nancy Landry from carrying out parts of Act 15 while the litigation continues; the ACLU filed the emergency motion on Duncan’s behalf, Duncan briefly began work Monday before a higher court temporarily froze the federal decision at the state’s request, and judges will hear further arguments.
Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- November (prior election): Calvin Duncan wins Orleans Parish Criminal District Court clerk race with 68%.
- April 30, 2026: Governor Jeff Landry signs Act 15 consolidating the criminal and civil clerk positions.
- May 1–3, 2026: The ACLU and Calvin Duncan file emergency motion seeking a temporary restraining order.
- May 3, 2026: U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles issues an order blocking enforcement of parts of Act 15.
- May 4, 2026: Duncan briefly began work; a higher court temporarily froze the federal order at the state's request and litigation continues.
Why This Matters to You
This legal tussle affects your RIGHTS. It's about who gets to serve as the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court clerk. This role impacts how the court operates and how justice is served in your community. Keep an eye on the news for updates.
The Bottom Line
The battle over Act 15 isn't over yet. It's temporarily blocked, but further arguments are due. Stay informed. If you're in Orleans Parish, your vote in the next election could be influenced by this. Worth forwarding if you know someone in Louisiana.
- Articles Published:
- 4
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 1
- Neutral:
- 3
- Distribution:
- Left 25%, Center 75%, Right 0%
Calvin Duncan and voters who supported him benefited because the federal order preserves the election result and prevents immediate state appointment under Act 15.
Governor Jeff Landry, Secretary of State Nancy Landry, and supporters of Act 15 suffered a legal setback because the injunction prevents enforcement of the consolidation and appointment provisions.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Louisiana exoneree's first day as elected clerk gets messy after court intervenes
The Philadelphia InquirerFrom Center
Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Louisiana Clerk Consolidation Law
3iA WBRZ Owensboro Messenger-InquirerFrom Right
No right-leaning sources found for this story.
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