LD+Ballot+Instructions

Ballot Instructions for Lincoln-Douglas Debate
 * 1) A decision //SHOULD NOT// be based upon:
 * //Personal bias// – A judge’s preference for a side of the resolution or a topic bias should not enter into the decision. A judge must decide the round based on the arguments presented in that round. Objectivity is the primary responsibility of any judge.
 * //Partiality// – The judge should not be influenced by the reputation of or relationship with the debaters, schools, or coaches. If a situation arises where impartiality is in doubt, the judge has the responsibility to report this potential conflict of interest to the tab room.
 * //New arguments introduced in rebuttals//– The judges shall disregard new arguments introduced in the rebuttals. This does not include the introduction of new evidence in support of points already advanced or the answering of arguments introduced by opponents.
 * 1) A decision //SHOULD BE// based upon the consideration of any or all of the following questions:
 * //Burden of proof// - Which debater has proven his/her side of the resolution more valid as a general principle by the end of the round? No debater can realistically be expected to prove complete validity or invalidity of the resolution. A judge should prefer quality and depth of argumentation to mere quantity of argumentation. A judge should base the decision on which debater more effectively resolved the central questions of the resolution rather than on insignificant dropped arguments.
 * //Value structure// – Which debater better established a clear and cohesive relationship between the argumentation and the value structure?
 * //Argumentation// – Which debater better presented his/her arguments with logical reasoning using appropriate support? Which debater best utilized cross-examination to clarify, challenge, or advance arguments?
 * //Resolutionality// –Which debater best addressed the central questions of the resolution?
 * //Clash// – Which debater best showed the ability to both attack his/her opponent’s case and to defend his/her own?
 * //Delivery// – Which debater communicated in a more persuasive, clear, and professional manner? A judge should give weight only to those arguments that were presented in a manner that was clear and understandable to him or her as a judge.