NOVICE AND CHAMPIONSHIP LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE (NLD & CLD)
Description: Lincoln-Douglas Debate typically appeals to individuals who enjoy debate but prefer a one-on-one format more than a team or group setting. Lincoln-Douglas debaters like exploring questions of how society ought to be rather than its current state. Many people refer to Lincoln-Douglas Debate as a “values” debate, as questions of morality and justice are commonly undertaken in resolutions. Lincoln-Douglas debate is designed to focus on a proposition of value. A proposition of value is concerned with what ought to be instead of what is. A value is an ideal held by individuals, societies, governments, etc.
Debaters are encouraged to develop arguments based on a values perspective. No plan or counterplan should be offered by debaters; instead, the debate should focus on reasoning to support a general principle. Debaters may present generalized, practical examples or solutions to illustrate how the general principle could guide decisions. Competitors prepare cases and engage in an exchange of cross-examinations and rebuttals in an attempt to convince a judge that they are more persuasive in their argumentation in the round.
Format: The times and speaking orders of the speeches are listed below:
First Affirmative Rebuttal2 minutesAddress negative voting issues and offer reasons why the affirmative should win.
Speech | Time Limit | Purpose |
Affirmative Constructive | 6 minutes | Present the affirmative case |
Negative Cross-Examination | 3 minutes | Negative asks questions to the affirmative |
Negative Constructive | 7 minutes | Presents the negative case and refutes the affirmative case |
Affirmative Cross-Examination | 3 minutes | Affirmative asks questions to the negative |
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1st Affirmative Rebuttal | 4 minutes | Refute the negative case and rebuild the affirmative case |
Negative Rebuttal | 6 minutes | Refute the affirmative case, rebuild the negative case, and offer reasons the negative should win the round (i.e., offer voting issues) |
2nd Affirmative Rebuttal | 3 minutes | Respond to negative voting issues and offer reasons the affirmative should win |
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*Each team is allotted 4 minutes of prep time | ||
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