The journey of a jailhouse lawyer
Hi, my name is Calvin, and I’m on a mission to help people in prison gain access to the courts.
I spent 28 and a half years in Louisiana prisons, wrongfully convicted of a crime I didn’t commit. At 19, I found myself in jail facing the death penalty. With no outside help coming, I began studying the law in an effort to help myself. It was a daunting task—I had only a ninth-grade education and limited access to legal materials—but over time, I learned how to wield it: first for myself, then for others.
During my time at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola, I spent two decades serving as a jailhouse lawyer. In this role, I helped incarcerated individuals gain access to the courts and taught a law class to empower others.
Since my release, I have continued to champion the rights of incarcerated people through my Light of Justice program, highlighting inequities in the post-conviction process and helping people on the inside advocate for themselves and each other.
In my newsletter, I share:
My personal archive of letters, photos, and case materials from my time in prison
Updates about my book, The Jailhouse Lawyer
Stories to help us imagine ways we can create a safer and more just world
Join me in the conversation by commenting on my posts or finding me on Instagram and Facebook.
For inquiries about speaking engagements, contact inquiries@calvinduncan.com.
I look forward to staying in touch.
