Lincoln-Douglas Debate

What is LD?

Are you interested in philosophy? Do you have strong opinions about issues of morality and social justice? Would you prefer to debate by yourself, rather than with a partner? If so, Lincoln-Douglas debate might be for you!
 
In Lincoln-Douglas (Also called LD), you will compete 1-on-1 with other debaters. LD debate topics focus on conflicting values of social and philosophical issues – for example, by examining questions of ethics, justice, or democracy. These topics (called “resolutions”) are written by the National Speech and Debate Association and voted on by students. The resolutions rotate every two months, so you get to learn about a variety of topics.
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LD Debate Resources

LD Cheat Sheet

NSDA Event Guide

MSHSAA Event Rules

Example LD Ballot

Example LD Cases

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Past LD Topics

​Current Topic

• Resolved: The United States ought to implement a single-payer universal healthcare system.
  

2021-2022 Topics

• Nationals – Resolved: Radicalism is preferable to incrementalism to achieve social justice.
• March/April – Resolved: In a democracy, a free press ought to prioritize objectivity over advocacy.
• Jan/Feb – Resolved: The appropriation of outer space by private entities is unjust.
• Nov/Dec – Resolved: A just government ought to recognize an unconditional right of workers to strike.
• Sept/Oct – Resolved: The member nations of the World Trade Organization ought to reduce intellectual property protections for medicines.

2020-2021 Topics

• Nationals – Resolved: A public health emergency justifies limiting civil liberties.
• March/April – Resolved: The United States ought to guarantee universal child care.
• Jan/Feb – Resolved: States ought to ban lethal autonomous weapons.
• Nov/Dec – Resolved: The United States ought to provide a federal jobs guarantee.
• Sept/Oct – Resolved: In a democracy, voting ought to be compulsory.