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Judging Lincoln Douglas Debate

A parental primer

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Lincoln Douglas Essentials

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Intro

Lincoln Douglas debate offers students a wonderful opportunity to engage in a deep, thoughtful exploration of timely, relevant topics of civic interest from a philosophical and ethical standpoint. Recent topics include compulsory voting, denuclearization, getting rid of standardized tests for college admission, and the federal jobs guarantee (upcoming).

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The Basics

  • Lincoln Douglas debate involves students affirming or negating a resolution related to an issue of public concern from an ethical standpoint.
  • LD uniquely encourages arguments based on what are called the “value” and “value criterion” for the round, providing a strong ethical framework for the discipline.

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Structure of the Round

Debaters alternate speeches followed by cross-examination questioning.

Lincoln Douglas Round Structure:

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1st Affirmative 6 minutes

Neg cross-examines aff 3 minutes

1st Negative 7 minutes

Aff cross-examines neg 3 minutes

1st Affirmative Rebuttal 4 minutes

1st Negative Rebuttal 6 minutes

2nd Affirmative Rebuttal 3 minutes

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NOTICE the timing and order of speeches

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While the affirmative gets the last word, the negative has a longer preceding speech. Both speakers have 10 minutes to make their case, plus prep time and questioning periods.

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How to Judge LD Debate

First, judging is done online.

Let’s get you set up for an account on the website through which all of our tournaments are run: www.tabroom.com

Enter your information, and let me know the email you use so that I can add you to our roster.

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Judging Criteria

  • 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.
  • Each debater has the burden to prove their 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 their side of the resolution more valid as a general principle.

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Judging Criteria

  • 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.
  • Communication should emphasize clarity. Accordingly, a judge should only evaluate those arguments that were presented in a manner that was clear and understandable to them as a judge.
  • Throughout the debate, the competitors should display civility as well as a professional demeanor and style of delivery.
  • After a case is presented, neither debater should be rewarded for presenting a speech completely unrelated to the arguments of his or her opponent; there must be clash concerning the major arguments in the debate.
  • Cross-examination should clarify, challenge, and/or advance arguments.

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Judging Criteria

  • Disregard any 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.
  • 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.
  • In the end, you’re the judge. The debaters have to convince you that their case wins. Be prepared to express the reasoning behind your decision (you will do this in writing in the “RFD” (reason for decision).

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The Ballot

Balloting is done online.

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Though this is a policy ballot, your LD ballot will look similar.

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You will give each debater a speaker score on a scale of 1-30 (which is actually 24-30).

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The reason for decision goes to both teams, while you can make individual comments to each debater.

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The Paper Version

Comments section:

Constructive feedback is expected and welcome.

RFD goes to both teams.

You can make individual comments to each team on the online ballot.

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Judging a Practice Round

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Thank you!

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