Lincoln-Douglas Debate — Glossary

The obligation of the affirmative team to establish a case that supports the resolution and convinces the judge of its validity.

The obligation of a team to respond and refute opposing arguments to maintain their position in the debate.

The consequence or significance resulting from the affirmative or negative case arguments within a debate round.

A main point or argument presented by a debater to support their overall case or position.

The process of evaluating and explaining the significance and magnitude of an argument's consequences.

The opening speech in Lincoln-Douglas debate where the affirmative presents their value and criterion along with contentions.

The interpretation and explanation of the debate resolution to establish the framework for argumentation.

A criterion that judges use to measure which argument better fulfills the value premise in Lincoln-Douglas debates.

A direct conflict between the central values or principles advocated by opposing sides in a Lincoln-Douglas debate.

A standard or mechanism used in Lincoln-Douglas debate to measure which value is best upheld in the round.

A value premise states the fundamental principle or ideal that a debater aims to uphold throughout the round.