db8 4 lyfe

"oh i was at a debate tournament"

"what side were you on?"

Hi Molly! So LD is a value-based debate, which means that the entire case needs to uphold one specific value. More often than not, the values for resolutions can be taken from http://debate-central.ncpa.org/common-ld-values/, which also gives a brief explanation of what each of the values are. The case needs to be built from that value. Any contentions that don't support it need to either be reworded or thrown out. 

Truth be told, I am a firm believer that practice makes perfect. Give them the format, teach them to write a solid case, and throw them in. There are so many little things that you will never pick up on unless you are in the room and that spotlight is on your face. Have them watch a round or two, let them flow. Have them argue against each other, and point out flaws in their cases. ALWAYS have them defend their values. 

I think it is super interesting because I really think it's really relevant! I personally think the criminal justice system should be all about finding the truth and serving actual justice, not necessarily following strict laws and finding loopholes that can set an obviously guilty person free. But I also believe in a person's right to privacy! However, I think once there is enough evidence against a person that they need to have a lawyer to defend them, there should be no need to hide the truth unless the person is guilty. I think this will be a super interesting topic! There are tons of points you can make on either side, and I'm sure lots of court cases to reference!