Value and Criterion
The core of every LD case — choosing a value and the standard by which to measure it.
The Value-Criterion Structure
Every LD case is built on two pillars:
The Value is the ultimate goal or ideal your side upholds. Common values include justice, morality, human dignity, societal welfare, individual liberty, and security.
The Criterion (also called the 'standard') is the measuring stick — it tells the judge how to determine which side better achieves the value. If your value is justice, your criterion might be 'protecting individual rights' or 'maximizing fairness.'
Think of it this way: the value is what matters, and the criterion is how we know we're getting it.
Classic Pairings
| Value | Criterion | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Justice | Rawlsian veil of ignorance | When fairness under uncertainty matters |
| Morality | Kantian categorical imperative | When duty-based ethics apply |
| Human dignity | Bodily autonomy | When individual rights are at stake |
| Societal welfare | Utilitarianism (greatest good) | When outcomes and consequences matter |
| Individual liberty | Mill's harm principle | When limiting government power is key |
The best criterion links tightly to your value and your contentions. A loose criterion gives your opponent room to argue the framework doesn't support your case.
