Toro Country Classic

2025 — Mesa, AZ/US

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MS Lincoln Douglas Debate

Event Description:

Lincoln Douglas Debate - Topic - Resolved: In the United States criminal justice system, plea bargaining is just.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate is a one-on-one format focused on values, ethics, and philosophical argumentation. Each round consists of a series of speeches and cross-examinations, culminating in a final statement of each side's core justification. The Affirmative side always supports the resolution, while the Negative opposes it and must present a competing worldview or counter-case. Both sides share equal burdens of advocacy and clash.

Constructive Speeches

Each debater presents their primary arguments and framework for evaluating the resolution. These speeches should establish value structures, key contentions, and philosophical or empirical justifications. The Affirmative always speaks first.

• Affirmative Constructive – 5 minutes

• Negative Constructive – 5 minutes

• Question Segment – 3 minutes

  • The Affirmative asks the first question.

  • After the first question, both debaters may freely ask and answer questions.

Rebuttal Speeches

Each debater addresses the opposing case. These speeches should refute major arguments, rebuild initial contentions, and deepen the debate with additional evidence or analysis. Rebuttal speeches are not limited to direct rebuttal—they may include comparative weighing and value-level interaction.

• Affirmative Rebuttal – 4 minutes

• Negative Rebuttal – 4 minutes

• Question Segment – 3 minutes

  • Follows the same format as the first question segment.

Consolidation Speeches

Debaters condense the round to the most important points of clash and advantage. New arguments are discouraged. Focus is placed on strategic weighing, crystallization of the debate, and reinforcement of key contentions with additional analysis.

• Affirmative Consolidation – 3 minutes

• Negative Consolidation – 3 minutes

Rationale Speeches

These final speeches serve as a summation. Debaters must identify the core reason their side should win based on the debate as it occurred. No new arguments are permitted. Emphasis is placed on clarity, impact comparison, and thematic resolution.

• Affirmative Rationale – 3 minutes

• Negative Rationale – 3 minutes

Preparation Time

Each debater receives three minutes of prep time to use at any point between speeches (not during a speech).

• Prep Time – 3 minutes per side