Lincoln Douglas Debate is a value debate, which concerns itself with what ought to be instead of what is. Values are ideals held by individuals, societies, governments, etc. Neither side is permitted to offer a plan (a formalized, comprehensive proposal for implementation); rather, they should offer reasoning to support a general principle. Debaters may offer generalized, practical examples or solutions to illustrate how the general principle could guide decisions. This is a one on one debate; at tournaments rounds will alternate between affirmative and negative.
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Speech Time
1 Affirmative Constructive 6 mins Cross Examination 3 mins 1 Negative Constructive 7 mins Cross Examination 3 mins 1 Affirmative Rebuttal 4 mins 1 Negative Rebuttal 6 mins 2 Affirmative Rebuttal 3 mins |
Purpose
• Present affirmative case in favor of the resolution • Present a value that is the highest in the round • Present a criterion that measures your value • Negative cross-examines the affirmative • Ask questions to clarity their arguments • Ask questions to set up arguments to come • Be polite • Present a negative case opposing the resolution • Present a value that is the highest in the round • Present a criterion that measures your value • Attack the affirmative case, value and criterion • Affirmative cross-examines the negative • Defend affirmative positions • Refute negative arguments • Defend negative positions • Refute affirmative arguments • Weigh the issues • Weigh the issues |