Lincoln-Douglas Debate
The NSDA Competition Event page states (7/14/2024, here): 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. When LD was created as a debate event, it was called "Values" Debate and when the topic allows, questions of morals and values are still debated. Students prepare cases and then engage in an exchange of cross-examinations and rebuttals in an attempt to convince a judge that they are the better debater in the round.
The MSDL adds the following points. First, LD debates often address the value implications of policies. For example, an LD debate about taxation policy might include argumentation about the prioritization of equality and economic efficiency as two potentially competing values. Second, LD debaters are free to attack or defend particular policies, at their discretion, but are not required to do so.
Speech times and other details appear on pages 31-33 in the 2023-24 NSDA Unified Manual (here).
The MSDL adds the following points. First, LD debates often address the value implications of policies. For example, an LD debate about taxation policy might include argumentation about the prioritization of equality and economic efficiency as two potentially competing values. Second, LD debaters are free to attack or defend particular policies, at their discretion, but are not required to do so.
Speech times and other details appear on pages 31-33 in the 2023-24 NSDA Unified Manual (here).
