Linconln Douglass Debate:

Lincoln-Douglas debate is a two-person format where the affirmative supports the resolution and the negative attacks it. The resolution, which changes every two months, is always a question of value. The debaters will try to show why their position supports the more important, fundamental principles inherent in their position and why that position is superior to the opponent’s.

Each debater will present a case that includes:

1. Value: A universally held principle that the debater advocates in order to affirm or negate the resolution. Example: justice

2. Criterion: The standard by which the debater achieves the value that he/she presents. It is a measuring stick. Example: How is the value of justice achieved? By ensuring equality before the law.

3. Definitions: These may be given by the affirmative to clarify terms in the resolution that are ambiguous. Not every word in the resolution must be defined. Sometimes the negative will offer a counter-definition because they disagree with the affirmative’s interpretation.

4. Arguments: Also called contentions/areas of analysis/justifications/levels of argumentation, these are the reasons the debater gives in support of the position presented.

The debaters will construct their cases using logic, theory, and philosophy. Arguments are to be substantiated by analysis, testimony, comparison and contrast, analogy, example, and/or factual data. As the official NFL ballot states: neither debater is responsible for providing a plan to solve for the problem(s) identified with the resolution.

Speaking Order and Times:

1. Affirmative Constructive: 6 minutes
2. Cross-Ex by Negative: 3 minutes
3. Negative Constructive: 7 minutes
4. Cross-Ex by Affirmative: 3 minutes
5. First Affirmative Rebuttal: 4 minutes
6. Negative Rebuttal: 6 minutes
7. Second Affirmative Rebuttal: 3 minutes

Judges are expected to keep official time, including prep time, for the debaters. If a debater goes overtime, you the arguments might be disregarded. Each debater is entitled to preparation time, which can be used between speeches to prepare for the next speech. Prep time for each debater is 3 minutes, to be used at their own discretion. They should tell you how they want time to be indicated: often, they will ask for hand signals which count time down—6,5,4,3,2,1, ½, Stop.

Sample Topics:

Resolved—The United States has a moral obligation to mitigate international conflicts.

Resolved—A government’s obligation to protect the environment ought to take precedence over its obligation to protect economic development.

Resolved—As a general principle, individuals have an obligation to value the common good above their own interests.