National Speech and Debate Tournament

2024 — Des Moines, IA/US

Kaeli Madsen Paradigm

Lincoln-Douglas
Lincoln Douglas Debate Judge Philosophy

Your experience with LD Debate (check all that apply)

Current LD coach

How many years have you judged LD debate?

3

How many LD rounds have you judged this year?

0-10

What is your preferred rate of delivery?

5/91 = Slow conversational style
9 = Rapid conversation speed
 

Does the rate of delivery weigh heavily in your decision?

N
 

Will you vote against a student solely for exceeding your preferred speed?

N

How important is the criterion in making your decision?

It may be a factor depending on its use in the round
 

Do you feel that a value and criterion are required elements of a case?

Y

Rebuttals and Crystallization

 

Voting issues should be given:

Either is acceptable
 

The use of jargon or technical language ("extend", "cross-apply", "turn", etc.) during rebuttals:

Should be kept to a minimum
 

Final rebuttals should include:

Both
 

Voting issues are:

Not necessary

How do you decide the winner of the round?

I decide who is the winner of the most arguments in the round

How necessary do you feel the use of evidence (both analytical and empirical) is in the round?

8/91 = Not necessary
9 = Always necessary

Please describe your personal note-taking during the round

I keep detailed notes throughout the round
Additional remarks: In LD Debate, I look for a strong moral argument that is backed both by moral and ethical evidence and data. While the debate should stay focused on the ethics, evidence that is rooted in the ethical case is important. Value and Criteria are important. Whether they must be explicitly stated vs. implied can vary depending on the organization of the case and clarity of arguments. In other words, I don't think explicitly stating them at the beginning of an argument is necessary for having the strongest case, but having a value and knowing how you are weighing it is important for the sake of logic and evidence.

Note: if you wish for your pronouns to appear the debaters you judge on text/email blasts, log into Tabroom, click Profile at top, and add them in the Pronouns field.