Lincoln-Douglas Debate
This event appeals to students who enjoy in-depth analysis of how society ought to function and who prefer individual competition to team formats. Lincoln-Douglas is often referred to as a “values” debate because it emphasizes ethics, principles, and philosophical reasoning.
Successful LD debaters are typically independent, analytical, thoughtful, and logically minded. Many are drawn to philosophical questions and thrive on constructing compelling arguments and engaging in structured debate.
Time Limits
| Speech | Time Limit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative Constructive | 6 minutes | Present the affirmative case |
| Negative Cross-Examination | 3 minutes | Negative asks questions of the affirmative |
| Negative Constructive | 7 minutes | Present the negative case and refute the affirmative case |
| Affirmative Cross-Examination | 3 minutes | Affirmative asks questions of the negative |
| First Affirmative Rebuttal | 4 minutes | Refute the negative case and rebuild the affirmative case |
| Negative Rebuttal | 6 minutes | Refute the affirmative case, rebuild the negative case, and offer reasons that negative should win the round, commonly referred to as voting issues. |
| 2nd Affirmative Rebuttal | 3 minutes | Address negative voting issues and offer reasons for why the affirmative should win. |
Compete
- What to Expect Competing in Lincoln-Douglas Debate
- Lincoln-Douglas Textbook
- Lincoln-Douglas Debate – Introduction
- Basic Case Construction in Lincoln-Douglas Debate
- Intro to Flowing Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas Debate
- Champion Q & A – Calista Woo
- Lincoln-Douglas – Mandatory National Service – Sample Case
Coach
Judge
Final Round Videos
2016
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Analysis — 2016 Nov-Dec
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Analysis – 2016 Sept-Oct
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Analysis — 2016 May-June
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Analysis — 2016 Mar-Apr
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Analysis — 2016 Jan-Feb
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Update — 2016 Jan-Feb
2017
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Analysis — 2017 Nov-Dec
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Analysis — 2017 Sept-Oct
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Analysis — 2017 March-April
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Analysis — 2017 Jan-Feb
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Update — 2017 Nov-Dec
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Update — 2017 March-April
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Update — 2017 Jan-Feb
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Webinar — 2017 Nov/Dec
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Webinar — 2017 Sept/Oct
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Webinar — 2017 March/April
- Lincoln-Douglas Topic Webinar — 2017 Jan/Feb
LD allowed me to question basic assumptions and reevaluate aspects of the world. Despite debating individually, the community is so welcoming; I made friends across the country.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
LD • High School Main Event • Middle School Main Event
Lincoln-Douglas Debate (LD) is a one-on-one debate format in which students argue a topic voted on by the membership. Topics focus on questions of morality, philosophy, and justice, often exploring the tension between competing values such as individual freedom versus the collective good or economic development versus environmental protection. Each round includes constructive speeches, rebuttals, and cross-examination and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Students may use evidence prepared in advance, and internet access is permitted during the round unless otherwise specified by the tournament.