Laird Lewis Invitational
2023 — Charlotte, NC/US
Varsity Lincoln Douglas
Event Description:
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE
The purpose of Lincoln-Douglas debate is to provide a public forum for issues of value. Thus, arguments
should be constructed using sound and ethical rules of persuasion. Clash is required. Affirmative teams must
support the resolution and negative teams must oppose the resolution. The affirmative position must be fully
developed in the first speech. Cross-examination is to be emphasized in the evaluation process. The time limits
for the contest will be as follows:
Affirmative Constructive Six minutes
Negative Cross-examination Three minutes
Negative constructive Seven minutes
Affirmative Cross-examination Three minutes
Affirmative Rebuttal Four minutes
Negative Rebuttal Six minutes
Affirmative Rebuttal Three minutes
Four minutes of preparation time will be assigned to each speaker to be allocated as the speaker chooses.
The topic for debate will be the national topic debated during the months of January and February.