Debate Resolutions and Roles

Resolution

formal statement or topic that serves as the foundation and boundary for a debate discussion

Resolved:

specific phrase that competitive resolutions begin with to introduce the formal topic

Policy Resolution

focuses on whether a specific action should be taken by an entity

Value Resolution

focuses on philosophical or ethical comparisons between two competing ideals

Fact Resolution

focuses on whether a specific condition exists or whether a statement is true or false

Affirmative (Pro)

side that attempts to prove the resolution is true or should be adopted

Negative (Con)

side that attempts to prove the resolution is false or should not be adopted

Status Quo

current state of affairs or the existing system

Affirmative's Objective (Status Quo)

responsibility to typically propose and seek a change to the current state of affairs

Negative's Objective (Status Quo)

responsibility to typically defend the current system or the existing state of affairs

Burden of Proof

Affirmative's obligation to provide sufficient evidence and reasoning to overcome the presumption of the existing system

Prima Facie Case

initial case that is strong enough to be considered true and stand on its own unless it is successfully refuted

Burden of Rejoinder

logical obligation requiring a debater to respond to an opponent's argument after it has been presented

Inherent Barrier

specific reason or obstacle within the current system that prevents a problem from being solved

Harm

specific negative consequences or damaging impacts occurring in the status quo that a debate case addresses

Presumption

logical standing of the status quo that the Affirmative must overcome with sufficient evidence and reasoning

Solvency

evidence proving that the proposed plan will actually fix the identified harms in the status quo

Plan

specific law or action proposed by the Affirmative side

Contentions

primary arguments presented by debaters during the constructive phase to build their case

Clash

direct interaction between the two cases, which primarily takes place during the rebuttal speeches