Lincoln-Douglas Debate, often referred to as LD Debate, is a one-on-one competitive debate format. This format of debate was named after the Lincoln Douglas Debates that took place in 1858 between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A.Douglas. It's a debate on values, as it uses certain mechanics like Logic, philosphy, and morality.
In high school, LD Debate debaters argue on a resolution that typically involves a value judgment. This resolution is decided by the debaters who vote every two months or. One debaters affirms the resoltuion and the other debater negates the resolution. Most resolutions are decided by the NSDA (National Speech And Debate Association). Sides (aff or neg) are usually randomly decided, however, the deeper you advance in a tournament sides are decided by a coin flip. The debaters present their cases, engage in cross-examination, and rebut their opponent's arguments. The goal is to persuade the judge that your side is more logically sound and ethically justified. Factors like impact play a huge role.
Key Features of LD Debate:
Framework: Debaters must establish a framework for the debate. Framework is how the jduge evaluates the round. In terms of Framework, there are two main parts: Value: The value is what the debater is trying to achieve through the round. For example, a debater might achieve morality, other debaters might use Justice as their value.
Value Criterion: The Value Criterion is to argue how the value is achieved in the round, while the value is what the debater is trying to achieve.
Time Limits/Speech Structre :
First Affirmative Constructive(1AC); 6 minutes
Cross Ex by the negative on the aff constructive 3 minutes
First Negative Constructive(1NC); 7 minutes
Cross Ex by the Aff on the neg constructive, and the the first Negative rebuttal; 3 minutes
First Affirmative Rebuttal; 4 mminutes
Second Negative Rebuttal; 6 minutes
Second Affirmative Rebuttal; 3 minutes
Total prep time: 4 minutes for each debater
Philosophical Focus:LD Debate often delves into philosophical concepts, requiring debaters to think deeply about ethical and moral issues.
