"case," question the other side about their case, and rebut the opponent's arguments. L/D debates last about 45 minutes. During tournaments, students alternate between the affirmative and negative sides, so must be prepared to argue either. There is a new statewide debate topic each semester.
TEAM DEBATE ("Policy" - State/National): Teams of two students debate a resolution to change American policy regarding some current issue. The affirmative has the burden of proposing a plan to address the problem, and the negative has the burden of showing
there is no need for change or that the negative's plan is unworkable or harmful. Each person speaks four times, presenting their side, cross-examining their opponents, and rebutting evidence and arguments. Policy debates usually last about 90 minutes. During the tournament, students alternate between affirmative and negative sides. There is a new nationwide topic each academic year, announced the previous spring.