National Speech and Debate Tournament

2022 — Louisville, KY/US

Sara Dunn Paradigm

Policy
Policy Debate Judge Philosophy

Your experience with Policy Debate (check all that apply)

Policy debater in high school
Frequently judge Policy Debate

How many Policy rounds have you judged this year?

11-20

Which best describes your approach to judging Policy Debate?

Policymaker
 

RATE OF DELIVERY

7/91 = slow and deliberate
9 = very rapid
 

QUANTITY OF ARGUMENTS

4/91 = a few well-developed arguments
9 = the more arguments the better
 

COMMUNICATION AND ISSUES

8/91 = communication skills most important
9 = resolving substantive issues most important
 

TOPICALITY: I am willing to vote on topicality:

2/91 = often
9 = rarely
 

COUNTERPLANS

1/91 = acceptable
9 = unacceptable
 

GENERIC DISADVANTAGES

4/91 = acceptable
9 = unacceptable
 

CONDITIONAL NEGATIVE POSITIONS

3/91 = acceptable
9 = unacceptable
 

DEBATE THEORY ARGUMENTS

1/91 = acceptable
9 = unacceptable
 

CRITIQUE (KRITIK) ARGUMENTS

1/91 = acceptable
9 = unacceptable
Additional remarks:

See full paradigm on tabroom.

I care most about clarity, clash, consistency, and argument comparison. I am primary a policy maker who cares about net benefits. But I accept that intangibles, particularly issues of ethics and morality, are frequently a critical part of the net benefits calculus.

Ok w speed and theory to the extent they invite clash and robust argumentation. I'll be more impressed with organized line by line clash that helps win thesis level claims working to prove a consistent overall position.  Tricks, jargon, and speed for the sake of speed won't impress me.

Ok w well researched, well argued Ks, T, counterplans & condo.  Don't love inherency or econ arguments as they tend not to be robust.  Really appreciate framing arguments.

 

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