PF-Debate

What is Public Forum Debate?
"Public Forum Debate is audience friendly debate. Two pairs (teams) debate monthly controversial topics ripped from newspaper headlines. Rounds begin with a coin toss between the competing teams to determine side and order (Pro-Con or Con-Pro). Public Forum tests skills in argumentation, cross-examination, and refutation." --from NFLonline.org

Feb 2014 PFD Topic: China
//Resolved: On balance, the rise of China is beneficial to the interests of the United States.//

Feb 2012 PFD Topic: College Costs
//Resolved: Birthright citizenship should be abolished in the United States.//

Jan 2012 PFD Topic: College Costs
//Resolved: The costs of a college education outweigh the benefits.//

Dec 2011 PFD Topic: Income Disparity
//Resolved: In the United States, current income disparities threaten democratic ideals.//

Nov 2011 PFD Topic: Presidential Elections
//Resolved: Direct popular vote should replace electoral vote in presidential elections.//

Feb 2011 PFD Topic: Wikileaks
//Resolved: Wikileaks is a threat to United States national security.//

Jan 2011 PFD Topic: Plea Bargaining
//Resolved: In the United States, plea bargaining undermines the criminal justice system.//

Dec 2010 PFD Topic: Cyberbullying
//Resolved: Cyberbullying should be a criminal offense.//

Nov 2010 PFD Topic: Sensitive Religious Issues
//Resolved: High school Public Forum Debate resolutions should not confront sensitive religious issues.//

The NFL originally posted another resolution, and soon announced that it would be replaced with the topic listed above. Original posting: As you might expect, the online debate community was abuzz with opinions about this decision.
 * Resolved: An Islamic cultural center should be built near Ground Zero.

Where can I learn more about Public Forum Debate?

 * PFD Topic Archive
 * [|NFL's Topic Site]
 * PFD Slideshow, with details about the coin-flip, speaking order, and speech times.
 * [[file:PFballot.pdf]] Sample Public Forum Debate Ballot
 * Video of Nov2009 Topic with Defending National Champions