Law Debate Topics
2,217 debate topics, all ages. Debatable motions with arguments for and against. Open the arguments below, pick one at random, or present them full-screen.
- 1.
Concealed carry laws reduce crime
For
- Deterrence My opponents main claim to refute my analysis is economists to not study crime etc. Well first this is false, as economists study statistics (a large part of crime), and human behaviors (cost and benefits, also known as deterrence). Gary S. Baker, economist, he does…
- Obsv1:I agree to these. I believe most states have a shall issue though. C1: Violence does not decreaseMy opponents main claim here is guns kill, therefore conceal carry permit holders kill. Now, his main claim is that all conceal carry permit holders are dangerous. I dont want…
Against
- I shall begin by attacking my opponents case then continue to defend my own case.1: Now before we claim criminals can be deterred, we must first ask can they be deterred? The answer is yes, as many economic studies (studies done by economists)Okay, first of all, let me take the…
- Guns. What are guns? We should all know the answer to this question. But what is a gun in anyones hands? Is it a harmful device, or a protectful gaurdian? That is the question. The answer, not as simple as it may sound. How do guns being concealed decrease crime rates? I aim to…
- 2.
Government should regulate a service dog registry
For
- The licence you are talking about is a simple pet licence that apples to all dogs and is not at all what I am talking about. A licence proving a service dog to be Legitimate would prevent service dogs from being refused access, especially for people with disabilities that are…
- I would like to mention that I am referring to US laws, so if you are referring to the laws of a different nation you need to switch focus. America has no form of registry for service dogs, under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) a service animals is defined as, dogs…
Against
- Starting off with a brief clarification: Yes, I"m talking about the pet licence. The point I"m simply trying to make is that health is not a concern for dogs, and your licence and proposition won"t add health benefits. Now onto some rebuttals: For the past 2 rounds (where we…
- Starting with a few rebuttals: Even according to US laws, any dog is brought under as a pet, service dog or whatever people need dogs for, needs a basic licence. The licence is essentially just a dog licence where the dog"s health and other areas are tested. What Pro is…
- 3.
Interpreting the US Constitution as a living document should be prohibited
For
- First, to quote your second round, "the only time that the government should be allowed to make a law without an amendment is… war time" It seems that you have conceded that my primary contention is valid; that any legislation that doesn't meet a strict interpretation of the…
- It seems that you are making two major contentions; that the Constitution is outdated ipso facto that it was written in times that are fundamentally unlike our own, and that the Constitution ought to be modifiable through the amendment process. I will address the later argument…
Against
- Sorry, I was very tired when I posted last night and did not fully understand the argument set forth for this debate. I would like to make a huge point that will blow your case clear out of the water. You said in your second statement that there was a ban on MJ. And that ban…
- Yes you are correct, the constitution is a beautiful thing. Also you said that it was meant to change for the times. We need to remember that the constitution and those other documents you had stated were created in a period of time where the people did not trust the government…
- 4.
Flag burning should be legally protected as free speech
For
- I urge you to examine these arguments in detail. Flag burning should be allowed and protected because it gives citizens a caustic and physical way of dissenting with government policy, and open dissent is one of the signs of a healthy democracy.
- To start, I will point out a few problems with my opponent's contentions and rebuttals: 1. My opponent investigated and defined "desecrate", an action which is amicable, but he said that "I do not think that violently disrespecting something is a good idea. " The point of a…
Against
- Thanks for the debate, ol' chap. 1. Ah, I violated a cardnial rule of debate, "Never start a sentence with, 'I think,'". Mrs. Freeman (my debate teacher) would be very disappointed. Anyways, you can not start a public fire without written consent from the city. To do so without…
- Thank you for this challenge. I shall start with my rebuttals and move to contentions. REBUTTALS: 1. My opponent states the first amendment protects the right to desecrate something as they see fit. Desecrate *(www. dictionary. com) is defined as: "Treat (a sacred place or…
- 5.
The Americans with Disabilities Act should be reformed
For
- I accept your challenge. I accept your definitions. However, while I will be defending the current version of DADT, I will not be arguing that the bill is perfect, rather I will be arguing that the bad the act does to disabled people and the country at large is outweighed by…
Against
- I will be arguing that the Americans with Disabilities Act should be repealed. I accept the burden of proof for this debate. Definitions: 'Americans with Disabilities Act'-http://finduslaw.com... passed by Congress in 1990. 'Should be repealed'- I will be arguing that the US as…
- I assume that my opponent forfeited because my arguments convinced him that I was right and he was wrong, as he has been online several times during the past three days. I guess the Americans with Disabilities Act is just completely indefensible.
- 6.
The FCC should regulate broadcast media content
For
- There are two tiers to consider in terms of regulation of the freedom of speech. The first is the principle itself - does the government have the right to infringe upon freedom of speech at all (i.e., is there any justifiable reason); the second is the level to which it…
- Logos brings up a very reasonable argument; however, there are several reasons why this point of view is flawed; both for semantical/legal reasons, and for important, real life reasons as well. First of all, I would like to point out that although one may think the intent of…
Against
- "In your last argument you essentially conceded the first level - when I brought up the case of Schenck v. United States, you did not argue that the Supreme Court was wrong to rule the way it did." I was not saying that the government SHOULD have this right, nor am I agreeing…
- Thank you for accepting my challange. "Additionally, if we accept that the existence of the FCC is a legitimate operation of Congress from the start, then there is no logical conclusion but for the FCC to carry out its mandate." I do not deny that airwaves need to be regulated…
- 7.
The Second Amendment should be repealed
For
- Thank you for the debate, it was very fun. I need one 100 characters. I need 100 characters. 123456789.
- We live in a world where guns mean power. The party with guns will always be dominant over the party without guns. Therefore, we can not remove the people's right to take arms, in the name of democracy. There are several, several examples from history to support this. To allow…
Against
- Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito! Yield not to misfortunes, but advance all the more boldly against them!
- You put up a good argument and unfortunately I really needed that turn I missed. I humbly concede and this debate has been a pleasure. Thank you.
- 8.
The minimum driving age should be raised
For
- The driving age is way too low. In some states kids can drive as young as 14. The amount of car accidents that happen with minors is off the charts. Kids are allowed to start driving as they are just starting to mature. There are way too many car accidents with the youth, kids…
- All of your information is your opinion. None of it is proven facts or studies. You keep arguing that keeping teens off the road won't do anything, but that is your own opinion, studies show otherwise. http://www.news-record.com... There are specific facts in this source…
Against
- Pro, thank you for the rebuttals - yet you have yet to argue a rather large point in my previous post. Keeping teens off the road would not solve anything. Raising the driving age would only make the young adults that are now considered 'new drivers' have more car crashes.…
- Pro started with mentioning that some children as young as fourteen start to drive - this is a commonly misunderstood fact. The driving age in most states is 17-18, the misunderstanding comes from 'exceptions'. Minors that are younger than seventeen can take a early formal…
- 9.
NCAA student athletes should be employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act
For
- First, I will start by rebutting my opponent's contentions in their first speech. So, they first argue that it has been settled before in the court of law that student athletes are not employees and therefore should not be payed as such. But yet that is exactly what we are…
- For my argument I have two main contentions A) College athletes risk their bodies for the benefit of the school and B) The amount of time these athletes spend on these sports is harmful in many ways. A) College athletes, on average spending 40-60 hours a week on their sport,…
Against
- My appoints main points were students are getting hurt for the schools, But you have to rember students choose to play there not forced to. I can do good in Law school but I am not going to get paid to keep debating in a court just because I am good at it. The next point was…
- NCAA should not be considers workers. Everyone should be familiar with Berger v. NCAA, 843 F.3d 285 (7th Cir. 2016), a decision last year by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. There, the appellate panel held that student-athletes were not FLSA employees, so Pro…
- 10.
Cell phone use while driving should remain legal
For
- Thank you Mirza and to the forum. As we close our debate, I would like to first comment on my opponents rebuttals and well documented arguments. Then I will close with my final thoughts. I will kindly disagree about the statement Mirza made in paragraph 1 rebuttal: "To me, this…
- To start Round 2 of this debate I will continue my point from Round 1. With constant technological advances and the increased need to be mobile, cell phone use while driving should be not become yet another citation. An attempt to legally prohibit this type of driver…
Against
- -- Content -- • Rebuttals • Conclusion • References -- Rebuttals -- "In this statement, Mirza is comparing driving distractions to AIDS which seems to be a drastic comparison. Contracting or being born with a disease is not the same as choosing to engage in distracting driving…
- Thank you. -- Rebuttals and Arguments -- • Paragraph 1 "I find that holding a conversation on a cell phone while driving is no more distracting or different than being engaged with a passenger or kids in the back seat, eating fast food or messing around with a music tape, CD or…
- 11.
Weed should be decriminalized
For
- I never actually mentioned legalizing weed, although I am completely for it. I asked if you believe it should be decriminalized which is not quite the same thing. If it were to be decriminislied the only effect it would really have on society would be that when a person is…
- Weed should decriminalised do you agree?
Against
- In conclusion, I would like to add that marijuana leg./dec. would only available to adults aged 21 and over, so for students, it would still be illegal. If this happens, adults would do it more often and introduce it to their kids. The kids, or students, would smoke pot enough…
- My opponent has forfeited the previous round, so I don't have anything to argue against.
- 12.
Breed-specific legislation should be banned
For
- Wow, well done, been a while since i had to pull research.R1- According to the National Canine Research Council "Dog bite statistics include a range of types of Dog bites. The vast majority.... they fail to accurately show which dogs bite, why dogs bite, or just how frequently…
- Across the United States there is a trend that local governments, normally city or sometimes counties whereby they will prevent the ownership of certain types of dogs, most notably the "pit bull " breed. As a pretty conservative follow I am morally outraged at the governments…
Against
- Dog Bite Statistics While it is true that many dog bite statistics might provide only some information, the information that is not provided is not necessary for legislators to come to the reasonable conclusion that certain restrictions should be placed on particularly…
- Numerous states and local governments have enacted breed-specific legislation to ban the ownership of certain types of dogs or provide restrictions on the conditions of ownership. The purpose of this legislation is to protect public safety by controlling ownership of…
- 13.
The UK should abolish its minimum drinking age of 18
For
- Many apologies for the forfit. First of all i will state my main arguments then counter yours. On the NHS website, it states that drinking under the age of 14 can cause damage to health. 14 is very different to 18. If moderate drinking values are instilled at a younger age then…
- I will be arguing that the drinking age should be removed and the alcohol education should be taught in schools so that people can learn to drink responsibly.
Against
- No, you got it wrong. Moderate drinking won't help. Even the minimum quantity of alcohol that a kid can drink can cause problems to their health. Again, it's not a matter of responsibility. Any kid under 18 years old should not consume alcohol. A law is made to protect them.…
- I disagree with you, because this is not a matter of responsibility. This is a matter of health. Basically, if any kid under the age of 18 years old drinks alcohol, they run a great risk to create damage to their brain cells due to their developing mind. So, education will not…
- 14.
Military personnel over 18 should be allowed to drink alcohol
For
- I think this is done? no?
- I see the forfeit, I really think for now, in the absence of opposing arguments, that I'll rest with my original points.
Against
- I just don't think that men and women that are serving our country should be drinking, especially at 18. Some people aren't very mature at that age.
- Should young men and women over 18 years of age, serving in the armed forces be allowed to consume alcoholic beverages in any state in this country?
- 15.
Bicycle helmets should be legally required
For
- That's not going to cut it. Whatever you think Con's argument was in R1, it was conceded with a "yeah, but' in R3 and he brought out a new argument that kids will ride bikes less if they have to wear helmets. Even when specifically requested, he was unable to point to a source…
- Says who?
Against
- Me and alot of research and a lot of the kids in the USA
- Yeah but less kids are riding bikes because they dont want to wear helmets
- 16.
Spanking should be made illegal
For
- Yes spanking should be outlawed because at what point does spanking become abuse. I think this would parents or even strangers to walk up when they feel like it and spank/beat you for no reason at all. What if the child/children strike the parent/stranger back is that called…
Against
- It was one week ago when I accepted this debate, knowing that my opponent was a fool who thought that they could win with something out of a fifth-grader's argumentative essay. Now, with all exept the first round being forfeited by my foe, I realize just how misguided tmy…
- It appears that I am the only one arguing round two.If we illegalize spankings, we might as well illegalize push-ups or even ban syringes from hospitals. Were spankings to be illegalized, we would fall into endless fighting amongst our people; discipline is required to achieve…
- 17.
Legalizing something effectively promotes it
For
- First I'll go over the arguments he made, then go over the ones he didn't respond to. Con: Pro has to prove legalization promotes, with a corollary link I answered this argument in round 2 and he drops the response. Please extend my "D" key argument, which shows how the link…
- 1. Illegality vs Advertising Con: California has illegal marijuana, they still advertise it California has legalized medical marijuana (1), so they can have ads. As such, your argument is actually supporting my side because you show how legal medical marijuana has lead to…
Against
- Re: Legalization promotes by means of allowing advertisements This is in no way the same as my initial argument. The question is not "Does legalization lead to promotion" or "Can legislation allow for more promotion," rather it is "Does legalization promote," asking for a…
- It is plausible that legalization opens the door to promotion, the position being argued for is that legalization is what "promotes". While my opponent made a great attempt, his examples indicate no causal connection between the two. Just because a good or service is illegal…
- 18.
Felons should face strict hiring restrictions in the job market
For
- Alright, I will make my argument unopposed. The purpose of justice in government is simple: to punish those who violate the rights of others. In governments formed according to social contract theory, such as ours, the people surrender certain freedoms afforded to them under…
- My opponent has forfeited this round. I will await any arguments that he may offer in the next round before making mine unopposed.
Against
- I believe that felons should have more specialized programs, and specialized education while in prison so that when they get into the free world they are not in serious danger of falling back into their own ways. Bring it!
- 19.
People aged 16 and over should be fully accountable in court
For
- Anyone(Human) 16 or older should qualify for a higher court such as general sessions insted of Juvenile court.The refferee for the juveniles usually just take the delinquents drivers license away for a period of usually 1 year, therfore the general sessions should just have to…
- The law indeed does say that anyone under the age of 18 is counted as a 'Minor' (at least in the state of Tennessee) I believe that once 16, any law involvement should be moved up to a higher power of the court system (other than Juvenile court) I have only seen a delinquent…
Against
- ...okay, let's try a little fisking to make this debate a little longer.Anyone(Human) 16 or older should qualify for a higher court such as general sessions insted of Juvenile court. This is simply restating the position of PRO, so I won't say much. However, I would like to…
- Unfortunately, my opponent has forfeited. I shall wait for my opponent to present a case.
- 20.
The United States should abandon Click It or Ticket laws
For
- Rounds: 1. Opening Statements 2. Rebuttals 3. Finishing Statements "Congress seems to want to cure every ill to man except unconstitutional government." -Charlie Reese I have found through close examination that Title 49 of the United States Code, Chapter 301, Motor Vehicle…
Against
- Well, since my opponent forfeited his rounds, I'm not sure if there is much left to say about this debate. Because of this, i'll just review on what has already been said and go off that. My opponent's case is weak and cannot stands for itself. His debate is invalid because of…
- First, I shall go over my opponents case. Then I will review my case. My opponent does not have a value. The value of a debate is a structure that holds the whole argument together; it is a mutual target for all the contentions and criterias to push for. If one does not have a…
- 21.
Police officers should be allowed to shoot to kill
For
- This debate will involve the following question in its entirety: Police officers, when faced with no alternative to deadly force, must use that force to kill the targeted suspect. Shooting to wound or disarm the suspect is not acceptable. For this debate we will assume: 1) The…
- As you will see, Con drops part of his case, and shows a very venomous attitude towards the US, a bias which should make most of his arguments invalid. ===Con Counter=== A) Private Security is more flawed than Public Law Enforcement. 1) Con claims private security is more…
Against
- Tags get progressively more crazy with each Pro response... I'll do my best ===Con Counter=== A) Private Security is more flawed than Public Law Enforcement 1) Con presents a ridiculous straw man here. He thinks Blackwater and the corporate shills working for the government are…
- Pro is playing it fast and loose with the tags. He's dropping a lot of arguments. I'm going to go through and address his Re first using his new tags, then go back to the con case. ===New Pro Arguments=== A) Private Security is more flawed than Public Law Enforcement. 1) Pro…
- 22.
Burning retired flags should be legal
For
- I know that on my profile I say flag burning should be illegal, so I think I must clarify my position on this subject. I was raised in the knowledge of the proper way to retire an aging flag (whether faded, ripped, or otherwise damaged). The process was done by first cutting…
Against
- Proper flag retirement procedures should not be required, but they already are legal. You decide who won. Thank you.
- Since my opponent has failed to post the next argument, I will respond to Duconihilum's comment below. I would do exactly as you said, Duconihilum, but I chose to debate what dthmstr254 had written in his first argument as opposed to the title of the topic. It also seemed as if…
- 23.
Stealing to survive should not be punished
For
- I am not saying that poor people should be exempt from liability for theft. I am saying that only people who are way below the poverty level, people who has no other options but steal for survival, should be pardoned. Self-defence in the doctrine of at least English law means…
- It is true that in some societies you can get money for your job. But it is also true that there are societies where even though you are willing to work you cannot get job or this job is humiliating. In Zimbabwe unemployment rate is 95%!!!!! That basically means that you cannot…
Against
- I don"t believe the rich would in any way be forced to help the poor. Instead, they would just massively increase their security. If we"re talking about "extremely poor" people, on the edge of starvation, I doubt they have the slightest chance of even climbing their fences. If…
- First of all, the 95% figure is very unreliable, and most likely inaccurate. (read source below) But obviously there is a lot of countries with extremely ineffective systems and few available jobs, but I would argue that in those places, especially, it would be a disaster if…
- 24.
Cannabis should be legalized in the United Kingdom
For
- Before I start, allow me to say that I do not consume and illegal drug of any kind. I have merely been researching the subject on the matter and feel that there is more evidence that supports legalising of marijuana is harmless. For example: Did you know that marijuana does…
Against
- Marijuana is less harmful then legal drugs? Interestingly enough tobacco—commonly considered a [legal] drug which is very harmful to the body—is less potent then marijuana. Marijuana is a stronger carcinogenic then tobacco, and countless studies find marijuana smoke is so toxic…
- Win
- 25.
Avoiding being shot is more important than shooting the attacker
For
- you said, "I will be providing a more substantial comment." so you did assume it, mjahaha and good day to you sir. comparison is comparison. shooting some one with a gun purposefully=attack with the intent to do damage.......... there is no, you and my logic.. logic is true if…
- so you assume i am assuming my position is correct. to be more clear, not getting shot by the bad guy=surviving ok if you are in a battle, and you see you can get one of the real bad guys, and you run out of battle formation and get killed, it was better to stay in formaton
Against
- Thank you for expressing your views, Vi! I will not tackle the misunderstanding of my text as they are sound and reasonable if read properly. Instead, I will wrap up the debate and explain why my side should ultimately win. Throughout this debate only confusion and poorly…
- Good day, Vi! You've misinterpreted my statement, I have never assumed your position was correct (and frankly, never will). What I suggested was that you meant to use the word "than" over "then". Anyways, on to the debate... In your example, you show how even if a soldier can…
- 26.
The jury system should be retained
For
- I do not understand the jury system so I concede End of the debate goodbye
- I accept
Against
- My first argument is that the reliability on the Jury system is too low. Juries recruited for the jury system are normal citizens. Even if the juries go through a test, they are the ones who are not accustomed to judging. It will take some time for them to get used to the…
- The jury system depends too much on the juries. The main problem of this phenomenon is that the lawyers hire people who gather information on these juries. One shouldn"t oversight the fact that these hired people create a list of characteristics and personality of the juries.…
- 27.
Cannabis should be legalized for recreational use
For
- Hello, The legalization of weed should go through because first, it should be removed from a Schedule 1 drug: as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous drugs of all the drug schedules with potentially…
- Hello, This was my first debate too. All i can tell you is that you should do research to back up what you are saying. Good luck.
Against
- weed should not be legal because people abuse the fact that it is legal and just smoke it any where they feel like, they go out and buy a lot of weed and turn around and sell it on an abandon road or smoke it and then go drive. people have lost there lives to people who smoke…
- sorry for not responding it was a long week anyway weed should not be legal because people abuse it and do what ever they want with it so that's just all i am going to say about this debate i guess i should have researched it out better before starting this debate i was trying…
- 28.
The Constitution gives Congress the power to enact social welfare programs
For
- My oppoent has confined all his responses to my enumerated poinfs from the last round, so I will continue to do so as well.1. No restriction citedFor two rounds now my opponent has failed to name any provision of the constitution that specifically prohibits SW spending. Now, he…
- This is a debate about whether Congress, under the U.S. Constitution, has the power to spend on social welfare programs. This is not a debate about whether we think that the current social welfare system in the United States is well run, whether we think social welfare programs…
Against
- 1. No restriction cited I'm not planning on a surprise argument. The powers of the Government are limited to those in article 1 section 8, and the limitations on article 1 section 8 is listed in article 1 section 9, or the amendments. There would be no point in arguing this…
- 1. No Restriction CitedMy opponent seems to think that because I did not cite a specific restriction, that I cannot, or will not mention one over the course of this debate, as part of a rebuttal.2. Welfare clause grants plenary spending powerMy opponent has dropped my argument…
- 29.
Juveniles charged with violent felonies should be tried as adults
For
- Road map: I will first attack my opponent's case than move on to rebuild my own My opponent states "In order for our society to truly achieve its best, we need the use of these juveniles in the future." we need juveniles, correct but it would be best not to have these juveniles…
- Littleton, Colorado, two students at Columbine High School go into the school, armed and planning to blow up the entire school, although they did not succeed in blowing up the school, they killed thirteen people, the majority of them high school students who didn't even get a…
Against
- My opponent is sticking to his claim that incapacitation and deterrence will be beneficial to society. He says, "The juvenile system will have a smaller sentence, we cannot count on maybe two years of rehabilitation to so call 'fix' kids who killed someone, and it will not…
- Road Map: First, I will attack my opponent's case and then, rebuild my own. In today's debate, my opponent is focused on the value of safety and he sees that this can be achieved through incapacitation and deterrence, which is essentially scaring the victim out of committing…
- 30.
Authorities should end the fight against online piracy
For
- to my last speech, I would say that the debate went around the question- is it time to fight with piracy or not. My next question to you, is When you think it is the right time! when the developing countries will become developed too? that will not happen in an near future…
- Going to rebut. Firs of all, depriving people from the information they don't have rights on is not immoral. There is information that is available for general public for free so to enable them to improve. There are school, libraries, universities and all other institutions…
Against
- Thanks again for your speech. Seems like you approve the fact that developing countries do develop through the piracy and piracy does makes the process faster. But at the same time you would prefer making money for an individual rather than look in a long term impact. Who is…
- thank you for your speech. Now I would like to rebut your points and through them provide further development of my arguments. When you say that it is immoral to steal someone's work, you did not imply that it is also immoral to deprive people from information that they are…
- 31.
Divorce should be legalized in the Philippines
For
- I just want to clarify that in the Philippines Catholic Church doesn't want to have a DIVORCE in the country itself but the "BIG BUT there" is we will not include any RELIGIOUS CONOTATION. I just also want to clarify that divorce is a solution for a couple if only if there was…
- My name is zain, in this proposition I am in favor that Divorce in the Philippines must be legalized. Divorce or dissolution of marriage is the ending of a marriage before the death of either spouse. Divorce is illegal in the Philippines and the Catholic church would like to…
Against
- I don't think that you are understand what I am trying to say. Why can the couple not talk it out? I've pointed out numerous examples of how a couple can resolve an arguement. Absolutely nothing can break a marriage vow. A divorce can not break a marriage vow, it is that…
- To start off with first, I noticed that you threw a hit at the Catholic Church and then immediately stated that "ONE OF THE PARAMETERS OF THIS DEBATE IS WE WILL NOT INCLUDE RELIGIOUS CONOTATION". How can you throw a punch and then say "no violence" because this is pretty much…
- 32.
Marijuana should be legal
For
- What is your position on fighting drugs? Do you support the war on drugs and the policies in place or do you think it should be illegal but not criminalized? Please answer this in the next debate? Thanks I disagree with the your position that pot is worse than coverages and…
- Hello, Its nice to debate you again. Marijuana is listed as an addictive and harmful substance by the DEA. I am not going to disagree that marijuana can not be addictive I'm just saying that its addictive potential is being overstated. The article that i have listed in the…
Against
- To answer your questions at the top:The war on drugs is far too serious, but I am on the pro side of stopping drugs. It should be illegal, but with lesser jail sentences (like 9 years instead of 10.)"We can pass laws against getting high in public."We've passed laws about not…
- "Only one in 10 have a serious problem"If marijuana was legalized and declared not that dangerous, I think over a million people in the U.S would smoke it. That means 100,000 would have a serious marijuana problem. That is a ton of people who would have to fix it, but can't…
- 33.
Murderers should be sentenced to life imprisonment
For
- When someone kills one person they take the life of a they have no right to taking. A crime is a crime even if it is the nicest person alive who just switched they have no right to get away with making the most important choice there is to life.
Against
- I extend all arguments.
- I extend all arguments.
- 34.
The United States should abolish affirmative action
For
- PrefaceThis is the first debate I've done in over 6 months, and I'm excited to have it with a great opponent on a topic I've never done before.The resolution states that the US should 'abolish' affirmative action (henceforth AA.) This would require a law to be passed making it…
- Blank
Against
- Hayd must start in Round 1, and waive the final round. All rounds up until Hayd's Round 2 and my Round 3 should be copy/pasted from here (http://www.debate.org...).
- Pro concedes my whole case, including impacts. He loses. Even if merit is essential to freedom, I protect the freedom of more people. Just look to the weighing I present in Rd. 3: "This is the single biggest impact in the round. Hayd's value is the rights of citizens – rights…
- 35.
The Bill of Rights should be amended
For
- I thank you for your response, although I would like to point out that no questions proposed to you in the previous round were answered. In addition none of the points I made a case for were addressed. I apologize if they were not clearly enough stated. I will attempt to…
- To say amending one thing in the constitution sets a standard to amend anything with ANY reason (even invalid ones) is completely off mark. Does a change in treatment that is NOT working for a specific cancer constitute a change away from treatments that ARE working to…
Against
- Couldn't the military make due without assault rifles? Shouldn't they just work on diplomacy? You are willing to send kids to potentially die in the name of protecting freedom, only to have them come home(if they survive) to be told that they can't use anything like hat they…
- You say that amendments are not set in stone, and that is true for most of them. However, the Bill of Rights is a list of RIGHTS. You can't decide that rights are no longer rights. If you want to change the 2nd Amendment, then why not the 1st? Why don't we just get rid of your…
- 36.
The current Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional
For
- Freedom of religion and Freedom from religion are two sides of the same coin. Religious liberty must simultaneously protect both the right to be religious and the right not to be religious at all. When applied to politics, this means that we are to be free from any government…
- Refutation to Contention 1: During the 1950s matters worsened as people became more and more afraid of the communists. Many people were persecuted, denied work, and even jailed for no other reason but that they allegedly had Communist leanings. In an effort to link national…
Against
- For my final round I will address the main points. These 2 voting issues are from the Neg. side of the flow. 1) Purpose From what I have clearly proven; the "Under God" Clause encompasses all religions. That was the purpose. My opponent keeps on repeating that there are other…
- "Freedom of religion also means freedom from religion." I strongly disagree, I shall quote the 1st Amendment. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or…
- 37.
Music piracy should be legal
For
- So...my opponent forfeited his final arguments. I urge a vote for Pro's side, because: Con forfeited the last round. Con did not touch my first two points: 1. Work-for-hire contracts are BS 2. Record executives b*tching about lost sales are the ones really hurting the industry…
- Okay, are ya ready? Here we go! My opponent offers this definition of "music piracy": "Illegal duplication of sound recordings" Whereas my definition offered in the first round does not include the act of duplicating CDs or DVDs and reselling them. There are two reasons why I…
Against
- Ok well my definition differs. Definitionof music piracy : Illegal duplication of sound recordings. I don't see why this wouldn't involve counterfeit cd's and the like as they are as just as a much of a problem as programs like limewire etc. So you said in your third point that…
- Welcome I would firstly lkke to eductate that music piracy is stealing and thoughtout the centurys stealing has been viewed as wrong and un ethical so why should anything change now? Music artist put there life into there music. why should we take away there music and there…
- 38.
Corporate personhood should be repealed
For
- Let's get this show on the road ;D Definitions: Ahh the lovely case of looking at who's definition works best. I implore you to look once again at the definition of a person that the con provided in his case. [1] Honestly that definition served very well to prove the AFF…
- ". . . corporations have no consciences, no beliefs, no feelings, no thoughts, no desires. Corporations help structure and facilitate the activities of human beings, to be sure, and their 'personhood' often serves as a useful legal fiction. But they are not themselves members…
Against
- I ask for conduct points. Extend arguments.
- Definitions :DBefore we dive into this, a corporation is a business run by people made to be an "artificial" person. [1] Now, my opponent has just CONCEDED in this debate, as the definition is a group of individuals. As by nature they are defined as individuals, it is…
- 39.
Governments should prioritize stopping the supply of ecstasy
For
- sorry about the beginning part I accidentally left the beginning in there but I'm talking about the deadly drug not delight or joy which is a part of why people take this dangerous drug but after a while of taking it you could end up in a padded room if u don't end early…
- I'm hopping would stop the supply/demand for ecstasy and I will let my opponent go first on how they think why we should keep ecstasy around. and what i mena by ecstasy is the drug MDMA this drug is affecting the lives of many people in the US
Against
- VOTERS:1- Resolutional Analysis- Pro fails to actually abide by the definition, and does not give a case in the 2nd round. The 3rd round is not the round for new arguments, which pro clearly brings up.2nd- Counter Definition- Even if my definition is not favorited, it is to be…
- "I'm hopping would stop the supply/demand for ecstasy and I will let my opponent go first on how they think why we should keep ecstasy around. and what i mena by ecstasy is the drug MDMA this drug is affecting the lives of many people in the US"1st- This is not a case.…
- 40.
The Second Amendment grants citizens the right to bear arms
For
- I accept
Against
- Thank you.
- Privileges are immunities grated to specific people. Privileges are those things one is given permission to have or use. You have the privilege to drive a car, the privilege to go to school, even the privilege to fly an airplane. These are special privileges given to certain…
- 41.
The minimum marriage age should be raised to 21 in Kazakhstan
For
- Yes, I agree that we are not immortal and it would be nice if grandparents see their grandchildren. However, it does not mean that a child must be born at the age of 30 or later. As I am concerned the age of 21 or 22 is normal. Moreover, a lot of families have a big difference…
- Marriage is the most important thing in our life. In the age of 18 teens are very ambitious and think that they can do everything. Maybe in most cases teenagers marry because they are pressured by their parents and they just want to show that they are already independent. In…
Against
- After reading your answer I understand why women afraid marry early. It is like a phobia that they cannot create normal family, that they will not have time to themselves. You try to persuade people not to marry early but it is not normal to our society where women always marry…
- Of course marriage is a very important thing in our life. But why people should do this later than it was written in law? Nowadays we have a law that people can marry after 18 but in my opiion men should not hurry with this thing and women can marry at 18. My first reason…
- 42.
Schools should be allowed to ban US flag shirts
For
- Introduction It's clear from the 1st round and some if the comments in the 2nd round that con is arguing against the actions taken by the school mentioned in the article he linked to. Context The school's decision needs context. Live Oak High School, had a lot of racial tension…
- I accept.
Against
- In your first paragraph you talk about fights and riots almost happening and how there was "racial tension." I do not see how this is the American student's fault. He is simply wearing a shirt that he is proud of. Who are the Mexicans to say anything about that. And it's the…
- To begin, I am an American and quite proud to be one. I am very blessed to live in a mostly free country. Now, answer me this. How can someone in the United States of America, a person,or a student in this case, not be able to wear a shirt with his or her own country's flag on…
- 43.
Police should not be allowed to buy military equipment
For
- The argument that there is never a valid reason for a civilian police force to possess military technology is na"ve. The problem lies not with the equipment but rather with judicious use thereof as well as with the quality of the our civic officers. I am not arguing that Keene,…
Against
- The police can and should purchase military equipment to protect their citizens from threats of global terrorism, domestic terrorism, and highly organized criminals. America has been fighting a war abroad in order to prevent any terrorist threats from coming to its shores. The…
- The police are here to enforce the laws of the court, but new laws are made every day, and some are changed. These policies are put in place by the elected officials of the community, some everyone agrees on and others are still up for great debate. But without question the…
- 44.
The Supreme Court rightly struck down Voting Rights Act Section 4
For
- So looking at my opponets first point where he states section four is constitutionally justified. I would like to state that in the 15th amendment it states that congress can do this but only under appropriate legislation. This isn't appropriate if nothing wrong is happening.…
- I have never done this before but I'll assume normal puf rulesSection 4 of the VRA was put into place to prevent voter discrimination in the 1970s. It is base off of information from that time frame, thus, I don't believe it is 'appropriate' legislation. Therefore I affirm the…
Against
- I'm just going to go over a few big points of conflict and explain why I'm winning them. 1) Discrimination is still prevalent in the states that were covered My opponent continues making the claim that not every state that was covered is racist. He has legitimately no evidence…
- I accept your challenge, good luck! Like my opponent, I will be offering three main points. -Point one: Section 4 is permissible under the constitution The constitution explicitly permits the federal government to regulate elections: First, in the elections clause, which reads:…
- 45.
Adults should not be required to wear seat belts
For
- You are talking about a country based on freedom. Having the government control your life is totalitarianism not freedom. Yes, we should wear seat belts, there are thousands of things we "should" do, but should we be forced to do them? No. The government should stay out of our…
- Thanks for taking the debate. I want to start by saying breaking down every word I wrote with your discount psychology doesn't help your case, it is just pathetic. I will just jump into the ridiculous points you made. Not to say you didn't try to make good points, but they were…
Against
- Now here come's the real debate... or does it? I feel sickened by the fact that we were here supposed to debate but why dont yout argue all that i said, you seemed to try to argue them by no direct attack was made. moving on ... You say that we are in a country of freedom, and…
- wow i guess insults are allowed in this one, >.> 1)okay so against your first point you say how the 9/11 doesnt connect to why people would want to use seatbelts, however only those who does not use their "common sense" cannot come to the connection. what i was merely stating…
- 46.
Private ownership of handguns should be banned in the United States
For
- first off my opponent claims that taking away access to even a small part of the right to bear arms is unlawful but if it is unlawful to take away handguns it is also unlawful to take away their access to nuclear weapons or rocket launchers. Secondly how does my opponent plan…
- My opponent said that handguns are used in self defense but couldn't they also use knifes or rifles for self defense as well as martial art techniques like karate. My opponent also said that it would be unconstitutional to put bans on handguns "A well regulated Militia, being…
Against
- Firstly, I would like to first start by refuting my opponent's responses. Firstly, handguns are the most successful weapon of defense according to criminologist brief 23, therefore, to use a knife would not do to help if a burglar were to say invade with a rifle. Also a rifle…
- Hello my name is Michael Bojarsky, and as the Con speaker for this debate, I negate my opponent's proposition, "In the United States, private ownership of handguns ought to be banned" To start with, I would like to point out that my opponent failed to introduce a value, or…
- 47.
People should be allowed to sue fast food restaurants
For
- I'll repeat: he question you set forth is "should people be allowed to sue fast-food restaurants?"... You ask "what is the point if you and many people sue fast-food restaurants and you lose consistently?"- The point is that we are exercising our FREEDOM to use the court…
- You are going off topic... The question you set forth is "should people be allowed to sue fast-food restaurants?"... You ask "what is the point if you and many people sue fast-food restaurants and you lose consistently?"- The point is that we are exercising our FREEDOM to use…
Against
- My opponent says that people should be able to exercise the right to sue restaurants. He also said that they shouldn't be suing them frivously. Yet people do that. They sue McDonalds and they lose. So they sue them again and they lose, and again, and again, yet they lose. If…
- My opponent said that people should have the right to sue fastfood restaurants. First off, what is the point if you and many people sue fast food restaurants and you lose consistently? Second off, if you need to point the finger, point it at diet programs. Some diet programs do…
- 48.
Eminent domain should be allowed for private economic development
For
- Marbury v. Madison 1 Cranch (5 U.S.) 137 (1803), is not relevant. It was in regard to appointments and judicial process...no were in the case is eminent domain mentioned. In fact relevant law in that case was: 1)U.S. Const. art. III, Section 2 Clause 2 and 2)Judiciary Act of…
- 5th Amendment: "nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation". I draw your attention to the,"...just compensation" portion. This clearly gives the government the right to take land. It as also been upheld by the courts that using said land for…
Against
- I don't know anyone disputing the right of government to take land. The courts have made an error in upholding it for private use. As was ruled in Marbury v. Madison 1 Cranch (5 U.S.) 137 (1803): It cannot be presumed that any clause in the Constitution is intended to be…
- 5th Amendment: "nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation" Americans used to live in their homes with the knowledge that the government was there to protect their lives and property from anyone who threatened them. If a widow didn't want to…
- 49.
Jueteng should be eradicated rather than legalized in the Philippines
For
- I would like to state that the bad psychological, ethical, sociological, etc. impacts of Jueteng in the Philippines outweighs its advantages. Elaborations will be discussed in future rounds.
- I'm hoping that i presented this right(me new here). .. Jueteng as we know it is a game of luck and chance (and maybe probability to some nerds…) thus it is a form of gambling. The Philippines already has lottery and the last thing it needs is more games- Legalizing Jueteng…
Against
- Oh lovely. 3 forfeited rounds and my arguments stand unrefuted. I get conduct, at least.
- I love the smell of forfeits in the morning.
- 50.
Former prisoners should not face employment discrimination
For
- For the final round, I like to Rebuttal my opponents final statements and state why individuals released from prison deserve a job. To begin, my opponent brings up only one source of evidence about how drug rehabilitation does not work; with his source being a quote from the…
- My oppoonent argues that individuals released from prison will always be addicted to drugs. I ask my opponent, ever heard of rehabilitation? Rehabilitation can be used for the person being released from prison, and is actually required before being relaesed; hence the reason…
Against
- Even if she is right about drugs and rehab (which she is probably not) what has this Proved in her case THE FACT is that even if drugs are different what about assault? what about sexual harrasment? what about threatning to kill? these things have happened before because they…
- Since you attacked so hard i did not have evidence i have TESTIMONY from a drugie herself calling rehab a joke http://www.zimbio.com... and after research on you're source the new york times i found something really interesting on business insider claiming that you're source is…
How to use these debate topics
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