Origin: National Speech and Debate Association (USA)2 debaters (1 Affirmative, 1 Negative)~45 Minutes
Lincoln-Douglas (LD)
A 1v1 philosophical values debate focusing on ethics, moral frameworks (utilitarianism, deontology, social contract theory), and societal obligations.
Speaker Order & Floor Responsibilities
01.
Affirmative Constructive (AC)
Presents value premise, criterion, and contentions supporting the resolution.
6 Minutes
02.
Negative Cross-Examination of Affirmative
Direct questioning to expose weaknesses in the AC framework.
3 Minutes
03.
Negative Constructive / Rebuttal (NC/NR)
Introduces negative value framework and contentions, and refutes the AC.
7 Minutes
04.
Affirmative Cross-Examination of Negative
Affirmative questions the negative speaker on their warrants and criterion.
3 Minutes
05.
1st Affirmative Rebuttal (1AR)
Crucial high-speed speech covering both the affirmative and negative flows.
4 Minutes
06.
Negative Rebuttal (2NR)
Crystallizes the ballot story and provides final weighing for the negative.
6 Minutes
07.
2nd Affirmative Rebuttal (2AR)
Final affirmative speech addressing key voting issues.
3 Minutes
Critical Format Rules & Floor Protocols
- Strict time limits enforced with electronic countdown timer.
- Debates are judged on framework comparison: which value-criterion pair best evaluates the motion?
- Preparation time (typically 4–5 minutes total per debater) can be used before any speech.
Adjudication & Ballot Weighing Criteria
Value & Criterion Framework Superiority (35%)
Contention Argumentation & Evidence (35%)
Cross-Examination Acumen (15%)
Flow Line-by-Line Responsiveness (15%)