Welcome to JSA Debate!
In a world full of endless problems and conflicting opinions, the art of debate is a very valuable tool. The Junior State recognizes this and makes debate an integral part of its program. Unfortunately, many Junior Statesmen are inexperienced in the field of debate. This handbook was
created as a learning tool. It will present to you the fundamentals of parliamentary procedure and JSA debate. Hopefully, after reading this handbook, you will feel confident enough to express yourself in the debate framework. Remember, all views and arguments on the subject at hand are valid if well thought out. In expressing your opinion, you have nothing to lose, so speak up!!
created as a learning tool. It will present to you the fundamentals of parliamentary procedure and JSA debate. Hopefully, after reading this handbook, you will feel confident enough to express yourself in the debate framework. Remember, all views and arguments on the subject at hand are valid if well thought out. In expressing your opinion, you have nothing to lose, so speak up!!
Join the Debate
You don't have to wait until the next One Day or Conference to debate. SoCal JSAers debate online everyday. Join the debate here!
How debates work at JSA Conferences, Conventions and One Days
First, the moderator reads the debate resolution. A possible resolution might be:
RESOLVED, that the private ownership of handguns be banned.
The debating begins with six minute opening speeches from the main speaker in favor of the resolution (the proponent) and the main speaker against the resolution (the opponent). These two persons have been selected in advance and have prepared their speeches. It is their job to research
the debate topic and summarize the key arguments in favor of their position as they see them. For example, the main proponent for the above resolution might expand on three main arguments:
I. Handguns have no purpose other than to kill people.
II. Crimes of passion will be fewer if handguns are not available.
III. Only banning handguns will solve the problem; gun registration is not enough.
If there is any time left after the main speaker has finished speaking, the speaker may:
1)yield the remaining time to questions (take questions from the floor); or
2) yield the time to the chair (time forfeited).
After the proponent's time has lapsed, the opponent gives a six minute opening speech. The opponent might begin by offering new arguments to the debate:
I. We need guns for the protection of our property.
II. Owning a gun is a constitutional right.
Then the opponent should respond to or “refute” the proponent's major points:
III. Handguns can be used for hunting.
IV. Knives and other weapons will still be available to kill with.
V. Gun registration can help find the owner of a crime gun.
When the opponent is finished expressing his point of view, he also may:
1) yield the remaining time to questions (take questions from the floor); or
2) yield the time to the chair (time forfeited).
After the main speeches are finished, the moderator will ask for subsequent speeches from the audience. These speeches alternate between affirmative and negative, beginning with the affirmative. Unless otherwise stated, these may be a maximum of three minutes in length. Anyone, except the moderator, may speak. If no one else wishes to speak on a certain side, the main speaker on that side may be recognized. As an example (once again with the above resolution), the subsequent speaker might state:
1)A new argument: Gun control seems to work in the various cities in which it is being used. A handgun ban should be expanded nationwide.
2)A new fact supporting an old argument: According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report of 2005, some 68% of all murders with handguns are crimes of passion.
3)A new way of looking at an old argument: Gun registration is not enough; we need the strongest possible gun control.
4)Rebutting an opponents argument: Knives are less likely to kill than handguns.
5)A combination of all of the above.
At the end of the subsequent speech, the speakers may:
a) yield their time to questions;
b)yield their time to the chair;
c) yield their time to another subsequent speaker (on the same side); or
d) yield their time to the main speaker (on the same side).
After the alternating speeches, an appropriate motion (the previous question) is passed, or when the time limitation set for the debate expires, subsequent speeches will be discontinued and the main speakers will each give a closing speech. Closing speeches begin with the opponent, followed by the proponent. These speeches should reemphasize and defend the most important arguments brought up by each side. The speakers should try to present the overall philosophy of their position. Keep in mind, the words spoken last have the greatest impact and are usually best remembered by the audience. If time
remains after the conclusion of either closing speech, the speaker must yield his time to the chair. Following the closing speeches, the audience immediately votes on the resolution, and the results are announced.
RESOLVED, that the private ownership of handguns be banned.
The debating begins with six minute opening speeches from the main speaker in favor of the resolution (the proponent) and the main speaker against the resolution (the opponent). These two persons have been selected in advance and have prepared their speeches. It is their job to research
the debate topic and summarize the key arguments in favor of their position as they see them. For example, the main proponent for the above resolution might expand on three main arguments:
I. Handguns have no purpose other than to kill people.
II. Crimes of passion will be fewer if handguns are not available.
III. Only banning handguns will solve the problem; gun registration is not enough.
If there is any time left after the main speaker has finished speaking, the speaker may:
1)yield the remaining time to questions (take questions from the floor); or
2) yield the time to the chair (time forfeited).
After the proponent's time has lapsed, the opponent gives a six minute opening speech. The opponent might begin by offering new arguments to the debate:
I. We need guns for the protection of our property.
II. Owning a gun is a constitutional right.
Then the opponent should respond to or “refute” the proponent's major points:
III. Handguns can be used for hunting.
IV. Knives and other weapons will still be available to kill with.
V. Gun registration can help find the owner of a crime gun.
When the opponent is finished expressing his point of view, he also may:
1) yield the remaining time to questions (take questions from the floor); or
2) yield the time to the chair (time forfeited).
After the main speeches are finished, the moderator will ask for subsequent speeches from the audience. These speeches alternate between affirmative and negative, beginning with the affirmative. Unless otherwise stated, these may be a maximum of three minutes in length. Anyone, except the moderator, may speak. If no one else wishes to speak on a certain side, the main speaker on that side may be recognized. As an example (once again with the above resolution), the subsequent speaker might state:
1)A new argument: Gun control seems to work in the various cities in which it is being used. A handgun ban should be expanded nationwide.
2)A new fact supporting an old argument: According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report of 2005, some 68% of all murders with handguns are crimes of passion.
3)A new way of looking at an old argument: Gun registration is not enough; we need the strongest possible gun control.
4)Rebutting an opponents argument: Knives are less likely to kill than handguns.
5)A combination of all of the above.
At the end of the subsequent speech, the speakers may:
a) yield their time to questions;
b)yield their time to the chair;
c) yield their time to another subsequent speaker (on the same side); or
d) yield their time to the main speaker (on the same side).
After the alternating speeches, an appropriate motion (the previous question) is passed, or when the time limitation set for the debate expires, subsequent speeches will be discontinued and the main speakers will each give a closing speech. Closing speeches begin with the opponent, followed by the proponent. These speeches should reemphasize and defend the most important arguments brought up by each side. The speakers should try to present the overall philosophy of their position. Keep in mind, the words spoken last have the greatest impact and are usually best remembered by the audience. If time
remains after the conclusion of either closing speech, the speaker must yield his time to the chair. Following the closing speeches, the audience immediately votes on the resolution, and the results are announced.