Calvin Duncan

In 1985, a New Orleans' jury convicted Calvin Duncan of first-degree murder. The jury rejected a sentence of death, and the trial judge sentenced Calvin to spend the remainder of his life in prison. While in prison, Calvin became a jailhouse lawyer assisting other incarcerated individuals with their legal problems. For 19 years, Calvin provided legal assistance to individuals sentenced to Louisiana's Death Row. After serving 28½ years in prison, Calvin was released from prison. Having witnessed firsthand the procedural obstacles incarcerated individuals face in trying to access the courts, after Calvin was released from prison, he founded The Light of Justice Program, whose mission is to assist incarcerated individuals with their legal problems. Calvin also provides legal support in capital and non-capital cases to help incarcerated individuals understand the criminal legal system, with the goal of helping them make intelligent decisions to avoid the death penalty and, in some cases, life imprisonment. Calvin has earned his Associate of Arts Degree and Paralegal Certificate from Tulane University School of Professional Advancement. Calvin was awarded the prestigious Pony Award from the Street Lawyers of New Orleans. In 2018, Calvin earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies from Tulane University. At the age of 60, Calvin earned his JD degree from Lewis & Clark Law School.