East Rutherford Cavalier Invitational

2021 — NSDA Campus, NC/US

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Varsity Lincoln Douglas Debate

Event Description:

In this one-on-one format, students debate propositions of value with the emphasis on developing logical argumentation rather than an accumulation of information. Debaters construct value-driven cases that are consistent, coherent, combine original analysis with carefully chosen evidence, and tackle the issues in the resolution head-on. Students may consult evidence gathered prior to the debate but may not use the internet in rounds. An entire debate consists of constructive speeches, rebuttals, and cross-examination.

The format is: Affirmative Constructive - 6 mins, Negative Cross-Examination - 3 mins, Negative Constructive - 7 mins, Affirmative Cross-Examination - 3 mins, Affirmative Rebuttal I - 4 mins, Negative Rebuttal - 6 mins, Affirmative Rebuttal II - 3 mins.

Each debater receives a total of 4 mins of prep time.

1. The resolution evaluated is a proposition of value, which concerns itself with what ought to be instead of what is. Values are ideals held by individuals, societies, governments, etc., which serve as the highest goals to be considered or achieved within the context of the resolution in question.
2. Each debater has the burden to prove his or her side of the resolution more valid as a general principle. It is unrealistic to expect a debater to prove complete validity or invalidity of the resolution. The better debater is the one who, on the whole, proves his/her side of the resolution more valid as a general principle.
3. Students are encouraged to research topic-specific literature and applicable works of philosophy. The nature of proof should be in the logic and the ethos of a student's independent analysis and/or authoritative opinion.
4. Communication should emphasize clarity. Accordingly, a judge should only evaluate those arguments that were presented in a manner that was clear and understandable to him/her as a judge. Throughout the debate, the competitors should display civility as well as a professional demeanor and style of delivery.
5. The judge shall disregard new arguments introduced in rebuttal. This does not include the introduction of new evidence in support of points already advanced or the refutation of arguments introduced by opponents.
6. Because debaters cannot choose which side of the resolution to advocate, judges must be objective evaluators of both sides of the resolution. Evaluate the round based only on the arguments that the debaters made and not on personal opinions or on arguments you would have made.