UHSAA 5A Region 5
2023 — Bonneville, UT/US
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Event Description:
Lincoln-Douglas Debate typically appeals to individuals who like to debate, but prefer a one-on-one format as opposed to a team or group setting. Additionally, individuals who enjoy LD like exploring questions of how society ought to be. Many people refer to LD Debate as a “values” debate, as questions of morality and justice are commonly examined. Students prepare cases and then engage in an exchange of cross-examinations and rebuttals in an attempt to convince a judge that s/he is the better debater in the round.
Time Limits Speech Time Limit Purpose Affirmative Constructive 6 minutes Present the affirmative case Negative Cross-Examination 3 minutes Negative asks questions of the affirmative Negative Constructive 7 minutes Present the negative case and refute the affirmative case Affirmative Cross-Examination 3 minutes Affirmative asks questions of the negative First 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 that negative should win the round, commonly referred to as voting issues. 2nd Affirmative Rebuttal 3 minutes Address negative voting issues and offer reasons for why the affirmative should win.
*Each debater is also entitled to four minutes of prep time during the round.
There are two sides to every debate, one side supports the resolution being debated, the other side negates the resolution. In Policy Debate and Lincoln-Douglas Debate, the sides will have been decided before the round. In Public Forum Debate sides are determined by a coin flip at the beginning of the round.
All debate events have a unique order to the round, divided into three parts: speeches, cross-examination, and prep time. Speeches are where the bulk of the debating is done, with each team presenting and reinforcing their arguments while refuting their opponents. It is common for judges to flow a debate, which means the judges will take notes about the speeches in order to keep track of the debate.
Cross-Examination is a period of time where debater’s can ask each other questions. There are some differences between kinds of debate, but, the purpose of cross-examination remains the same; asking questions that will allow the debater to make stronger arguments. It is up to you whether or not to flow this part. Typically, this is not a time for debaters to be making arguments, instead, it is to clarify their opponents position’s.
Each event gives debaters a set amount of prep time, where competitors can take a moment to prepare for the next part of the debate. Competitors can take prep time between speeches and should notify the judges when they begin and end prep.
The judge will watch the entirety of the debate and then decide which side won.
Please refer to this sample ballot if needed to assist in adjudicating this round.