Calvin Duncan‘s inspiring story highlights the flaws within the justice system and the resilience of those wrongfully convicted. At just 19 years old, Duncan was arrested in 1982 for a murder-robbery in New Orleans, based primarily on unreliable eyewitness testimony. Despite the weaknesses in his case and a minimal defense from his lawyer, he was sentenced to life in prison.
During his time behind bars, Duncan took it upon himself to work on hundreds of cases, becoming a self-proclaimed “jailhouse lawyer.” He dedicated his efforts to assist fellow inmates, providing support to those he believed had not received a fair trial. “There are guys that committed their crimes. There are guys that didn’t commit their crimes,” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness in legal proceedings.
After years of relentless advocacy for his own case, Duncan finally found success with the assistance of the Innocence Project of New Orleans. In 2011, after serving more than 28 years in prison, he was exonerated and released, marking a significant victory in his fight for justice.
Following his release, Duncan pursued higher education, earning his Bachelor’s degree from Tulane University. This past spring, at the age of 60, he achieved another milestone by receiving his law degree from Lewis and Clark University in Oregon.
Now back in New Orleans, Duncan has founded and directs the Light of Justice program, which aims to improve access to the courts for incarcerated individuals. His journey from wrongful conviction to legal advocate serves as a powerful testament to perseverance and the ongoing fight for justice reform.
Calvin Duncan’s story challenges the status quo, shedding light on the systemic issues within the criminal justice system while inspiring others to seek change.
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