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Law Debate Topics for Students — page 22

1,241 debate topics, students. Debatable motions with arguments for and against. Open the arguments below, pick one at random, or present them full-screen.

StudentsDebatePage 22 of 25
  1. 1051.

    Lawyers contribute to higher crime rates

    For

    • That's just what they do.
    • Seeing as I am pressed for time and must retort or forfeit, which is a despicable form of losing in my mind, here it goes. Lawyers do increase the number of laws, because they work hand in hand with politicians in order to write laws which will be upheld a constitutional, and…

    Against

    • Kind Regards for this Debate. Rebuttal and Conclusion: 1.) But they do not make the Law, nor do they enforce it. 2.) That's like saying Doctors increase the number of sick people because they define illnesses. In conclusion Lawyers neither make Laws nor do they enforce them.…
    • 1. Yes. And? 2. But they don't make Laws. 3. Many Politicians are Dentists and stuff like that. However, they are not Lawyers when they are Politicians. Thus this is irrelevant. The jobs are not linked. I provided the definition of 'Lawyer' above. 4. And? Relevance? See above.…
  2. 1052.

    CCTV cameras undermine our privacy rights

    For

    • I want to tell something plss listen if u have these in jewellery shops it may be useful but in New York recently a thing happened in which the cctv we're off but the caution was given u r under the control of CCTV cameras.
    • If they put these cameras in any shopping mall in trail rooms it is very difficult for women .

    Against

    • If any bad thing happens in shopping malls and trial rooms these cameras will be there to solve the problems
    • If any bad thing happens in shopping malls and trial rooms these cameras will be there to solve the problems
  3. 1053.

    Accommodations for workers with depression and anxiety should be required

    For

    • I feel bad that you missed the last round, but you were a worthy opponent nonetheless! SUMMARY OF MY OPPONENT'S POINTS AND MY REBUTTALS: 1. Physical ailments aren't comparable to mental ailments. Arthritis is specifically not comparable to depression or anxiety. -All 3…
    • Con says that arthritis isn't comparable. I will demonstrate how it is: Arthritis is characterized by painful joints, yet not necessarily inabilities. The painful aspect of arthritis causes psychological stress. It is the psychological stress, rather than the physical aspect of…

    Against

    • Your first point is based in solid premises:P1-P3 are all valid. However, you've made a major logical flaw here because the conclusion doesn't follow from the premises: Arthritis is not comparable to depression/anxiety.Rebuttal: Physical ailments are radically different than…
    • Looking forward to a great debate. Cheers!
  4. 1054.

    Automatic weapons should remain illegal for civilians

    For

    • "Pro argues that every idiot knows that fully automatic weapons are more dangerous than semi automatic weapons, and that any idiot knows this. I would contend that an argumentum ad populum, and furthermore one that appeals to idiots, and should therefore be disregarded. Pro…
    • "Pro's arguments amount to bare assertions. He has provided no evidence supporting the concept that fully automatic weapons are inherently more dangerous than semi automatic weapons, and has not even explained what he means by "more dangerous". More dangerous how? Easier to…

    Against

    • Pro asks why automatic weapons were "made illegal in the first place". The irony is that in an appealing to that authority, the answer clearly favors my position. Fully automatic weapons were never made illegal by the vast majority of the states, which would seem to imply the…
    • Pro argues that every idiot knows that fully automatic weapons are more dangerous than semi automatic weapons, and that any idiot knows this. I would contend that an argumentum ad populum, and furthermore one that appeals to idiots, and should therefore be disregarded. Pro then…
  5. 1055.

    Drunk driving should be legal

    For

    • You should vote me the conduct point because Yraelz accepted without approval and forfeited.
    • I stopped reading Yraelz's argument after he said "drunk driving should conditionally be legal for individuals who can pass a basic simulation." That's a good idea and I agree completely. It's also a concession, so the debate's over. I kinda feel bad for Yraelz, because it's a…

    Against

    • It is obvious that FT has destroyed me.
    • Much obliged FourTrouble, as always. The Burden of the Opposition: To be clear readers my burden in this debate is not to argue that "these are good laws" which currently govern drunk driving. Quite to the contrary my only burden, as the opposition, is to discredit the…
  6. 1056.

    Expired IDs should be accepted as proof of date of birth

    For

    • I am taking time off. I will pick up this debate later
    • First off, I am not interested in "winning" this argument on this web site or getting positive comments or having some "judge" critique the argument or getting points. I am also not interested in using fancy language or citations. I am also not interested in the law or the…

    Against

    • Con
    • Vote
  7. 1057.

    Students should be held legally responsible for fatal bullying

    For

    • The damage wrought by bullying is cumulative
    • The bully's intentions are irrelevant

    Against

    • It is difficult to make a direct, legally sound link between a bully's behaviour and a victim's suicide
    • Conduct offence
  8. 1058.

    Public transport should have a dedicated police force

    For

    • In 1997, Radiohead demanded: "Karma police, arrest this man, he talks in maths. He buzzes like a fridge, he's like a detuned radio." http://www.youtube.com... However, little did they know that their request would fall on deaf ears, as there were no karma police then and,…
    • Yes, I see the merit in using an ID card to identify an offender, but they are hardly likely to volunteer that to a fellow passenger who wanted it in order to get them in trouble with the transport authorities. A karma policeman would have to be summoned to remove it from them,…

    Against

    • To start, I'd like to say that I don't disagree that these people who wont shut up are a problem, and that there needs to be something to deal with them. I also empathize with anyone who has to deal with a neo-fascist on the way to work. In 1984, Boy George informed us that,…
    • Obviously the way in which people would identify those who do not follow the unwritten laws of public transport would be discrete, otherwise all hell would break loose on a regular basis. You describe how Jean-Claude van Damme and Mike Tyson both on the same train being A-holes…
  9. 1059.

    Protesting military funerals should be allowed

    For

    • I see no reason why these people should not be allowed to protest. Everyone should have a right to have let their opinion be known. If we selectively choose what people can say, then how is there really any free speech. And while I understand that you want the debate to about…
    • This is my first debate, so I apologize if I get the formalities wrong. I will be taking the pro side, that people should be allowed to protest military funerals. Con said, "I want to hear a good argument about why people should be able to protest funerals with such hateful…

    Against

    • As far my use of words you are right. But when I say hateful words it is because that is all I have seen people gathered around funerals with posters say "God i glad you died" and so on. Yes I am also referring to the Westboro Baptist Church. I want this debate to not be about…
    • I want to hear a good argument about why people should be able to protest funerals with such hateful words.
  10. 1060.

    Deadbeat parents should be punished by law

    For

    • it is the parents responsibility to care for the child. by not paying for/caring for there child they are stating there lack of love to the child, the emotional damage is massive. Plus they are responsible for the care of the child, and by not providing that care they are…
    • yes deadbeat parents should be punished, it is cruel to the children who grow up wondering who their parents are/were,what they are like,if they would love them. it should be punished by law because it is unprovoked cruelty.

    Against

    • Fin
    • I do hope that my opponent is doing well and hope that no serious issues are present. I will pass this round to keep the rounds even. Thank you,
  11. 1061.

    Freedom of speech should be broader than it is today

    For

    • I believe that in today's society that the freedom of speech has become less free and is becoming even less free as the days go on. an example would be, you cannot say anything against the president and his family that is negative in any way without some type of reprimand. If…
    • what are you the stupid kkk

    Against

    • I've refuted the only point my opponent made by citing an article which shows that threatening the president is legal. I have also threatened to kill the president with absolutely no secret service coming to arrest me. What transpired in this debate, necessitates a vote for me,…
    • Extend that I will lynch the shitt out of Obama.
  12. 1062.

    People have rights rather than mere privileges

    For

    • or atleast i woudn't admit that i allready have , but none the less lets begin. This debate is to discuss wether or not our given "rights" such as the right to free speech or the right to live safetly are really. .. , rights. By accepting this debate my opponent affirms the…

    Against

    • My opponent has the right to forfeit this debate.
    • I hope we will be able to debate this. Until my opponent responds, I will not waste my time on a lengthy argument. Here is a right granted by the Constitution of the United States of America: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting…
  13. 1063.

    Police in Baltimore should not wear riot gear

    For

    • I feel bad for him, but it's his mistake not mine.
    • Pass

    Against

    • comments show why I "pass"
    • In the acceptance round you say quote " So no semantics and let's just debate whether police should wear riot gear as often as they do or not. " I am not sure as to whether we are debating about the current riots in Baltimore or regular police duties that happens in Baltimore…
  14. 1064.

    Strict constructionist judges should not be appointed to the Supreme Court

    For

    • I welcome my opponent, and I am glad my opponent's technological problems have been fixed. I look forward to the debate. If my opponent would like, due to the missing rounds, I can challenge my opponent to an additional debate from where we leave off in this debate. "You seem…
    • With only 1.5 rounds remaining in this debate, I may offer this challenge to my opponent again once DucoNihilum's computer is repaired. Hopefully, all goes well with repairing the technological malfunctions. Strict constructionist judges should not be appointed to the United…

    Against

    • As I said in the comments section, I've been working on computer issues for a while now. You seem to have forgotten a few very important aspects of the American legal system. Our system is meant to be one with checks and balances, so that no one branch of the government…
  15. 1065.

    The US Constitution exists to legislate morality

    For

    • I will clarify some points and then close. Clarifications1) I'm right on "right"I applaud CON's efforts at clarifying the resolution. However, I will demonstrate how he has equivocated on how he utilized the word "morality". Let's lay out the relevant definitions:Morality -…
    • I thank CON for an interesting response.1) Morality IS determined by legislation.CON states that "what is morally right and wrong is not determined by what is legislated." I fully disagree. First, morality IS right vs wrong. There is no "morally right" action - this is…

    Against

    • 1. Morality cannot be determined by legislation Pro claims that any differentiation between right and wrong constitutes morality. So by Pro's definition, claiming that 2 + 2 = 4 is right and 2 + 2 = 5 is wrong is making a moral judgment. In defining morality, Pro said nothing…
    • 1. Morality cannot be determined by legislationWhat is morally right and wrong is not determined by what is legislated. Some believe that morality is determined by God. Many of the Founders were Deists who believed morality is determined by human nature. No thinking person,…
  16. 1066.

    The judicial system needs significant reform

    For

    • //1. Removing religion from the United States Judicial system enables people to legally commit immoral acts.// //My opponent lastly claims that because people have been falsely accused of crimes, it is legally permissible to lie under the law. Of course he did not show that it…
    • //My opponent claims that any religion may be subbed in for our judicial system as "the bases of the majority of religions moral code are similar". However this is simply not true as Jainism teaches that one should not harm any living creature[1] but then Judaism and…

    Against

    • 1. Removing religion from the United States Judicial system enables people to legally commit immoral acts. My opponent's claim that people are able to legally commit immoral acts was refuted when I showed that lying was considered fraud no matter where you go in the American…
    • //"Being on this subject I will further my claim by stating that the Tora, the Muslim bible, admits that the Christian bible is a work of god, It also states that Jesus did exist, but as a prophet not the son of God, I ask you if you have two religions on total opposite…
  17. 1067.

    Police should face strict limits on force against teenagers

    For

    • In response to the post from Con, I feel the policeman's action was not justified nor was it necessary to force the unarmed girl in a bathing suit, head down into the ground. My reason for that is the girl was not armed and did not appear to be resisting the officer when he had…
    • I feel that the police officer was out of line in the way he treated the young African-American teenage girl in the video. It was clear that the girl did not have a weapon, she was dressed in a bikini bathing suit, and appeared distressed. I could not hear the conversation well…

    Against

    • My opponent is taking a more informal conversational type of style in this debate. I'll take the same style, and hopefully my lack of "professionalism", offends nobody. I want to start out by saying, I don't agree with all the officers actions. He was a bit of a jerk, when he…
    • I disagree with the notion that the officer used excessive force in gaining compliance. Once he gave a lawful order for her to get on the ground she is required by law to comply, and if she fails to comply, the officer has the legal authority to use force. Force often times…
  18. 1068.

    The legal drinking age should be lowered

    For

    • My opponent has forfeited the last round. Please take this in to consideration, as well as my opponent's lack of sources, when voting
    • With your statement in mind, that the maturity level is not fully reached, shouldn't the driving age, as well as military age be raised as well? Because of the illegal aspect to drinking under 21, teenagers, being who they are, do everything that is against the taboo, AKA:…

    Against

    • My opinion is that if we lowered the drinking age it would just cause more deaths from alcohol, because the maturity level of teenagers of this day and age. The maturity level can cause peer pressure and bad decisions. If it was raised we would all have more experience make…
    • What should determine weather or not we can enjoy alcohol. Is 21 the best age? Should it be raised or do you think Americans would handle drinking earlier? Would it be an advantage to out health?
  19. 1069.

    Courts should be responsible for creating racially balanced schools

    For

    • Blacks and white don't get along is a reason for the courts to create racially balanced schools because blacks and whites will get along if you create a diversity, it makes no sence to seperate them. if they are seperated theres no communication and they'll both just think they…
    • 1. No There Wouldn"t Be Any Fights Because There Would Be Surveillance And Cops Covering The Perimeter 2. The Students Will Be Forced To Go To Schools In Their Neighborhoods Because White Kids Tend To Live Around The Private Schools. Blacks And Latinos Live In The Ghetto Near…

    Against

    • I don't have enough you say? Hahaha well here's my assertions Mr.Nava : -The violence -Education was still unfair cause blacks couldn't still write or read -Parents didn't have a choice -Self esteem could be from somewhere other than diversity -Public schools are growing more…
    • 1. Have you thought about the color from other students and realizing it would probably create a problem such as fights, arguments, or problems? 2. Why should students be forced to go back into neighborhood schools, shouldn't all students be equal to one another? 3. Do you…
  20. 1070.

    Video games should be protected as free speech

    For

    • If you consider the point that it is in the hands of the parent to say what games are acceptable, then I believe you are arguing the wrong side of this argument. It sounds like you are saying that the kind of games available should not be in the hands of the state or any…
    • Thank you for accepting, I will jump right into my argument. First, and foremost, I shall try to dispute the idea that exposure to violence is causing people of easy influence (Kids and the like) to act violent themselves. I am not going to try to argue that certain games are…

    Against

    • I'm arguing that children shouldn't be able to purchase/view mature content. A parent can choose to buy it for them, which is the only to circumvent age restriction policies. Otherwise yes I do indeed believe that the state or some other form of agency should prohibit children…
    • I hope that you are well. I would suggest that you don't forfeit. You still have one last round to make your case and I suggest that you use it to your advantage. I will object to what you have written thus far and make my argument for why violent/mature video games should not…
  21. 1071.

    Governments have the right to regulate dress codes

    For

    • The government has a right to make laws about dress code. My points include, but are not limited to: 1. Sagging or any gang-related clothing is unacceptable in most schools, as a schools objective should be to prepare students for the real world, and dressing for success is…
    • Before I refute my opponents points, I would like to point out that in the beginning of the debate, I merely stated my points but did not argue them. The Contender announced "The Proposition began by saying that students in schools need to dress for success in order to get a…

    Against

    • I have accepted the challenge to debate the Proposition regarding the statement that "The government has the right to make laws about dress code", and wish good luck to my opponent. I believe that the government does not have the right to make laws regarding dress code. The…
    • Pro has forfeited the second round so this should be taken into account during the voting period. In conclusion I would like to state that Pro used mainly examples of "should" rather than "can". When he did in fact use reasons on the "Can" points, they were not strong. For…
  22. 1072.

    Marijuana should be legal

    For

    • You are dead wrong about the way good marijuana is grown. Here is a link to hydroponics. http://en.wikipedia.org... 1) Once weed is legal for recreational use, people will begin to buy it from hemp shops and other designated places for it to be sold. These places will be just…
    • 1) Drug dealers are not the friendly neighborhood drug dealers, they are the "I'm only interested in that money" drug dealers. If they want to stay in business, they can start growing, or running hemp shops. 2) clearly my opponent does not understand how the good stuff is…

    Against

    • My apologies. When you said "the good stuff", I thought you were just talking about weed in general. Surely you can forgive me for that? 1) Once weed is legal for recreational use, people will begin to buy it from hemp shops and other designated places for it to be sold. These…
    • "Drug dealers are not the friendly neighborhood drug dealers, they are the "I'm only interested in that money" drug dealers." How do you know their intentions? And even if some of them are only interested in money, what do you think these peope who are obviously criminally…
  23. 1073.

    Don't Ask, Don't Tell should have been repealed

    For

    • Homosexuals are having to hide their identities and it is dehumanizing. If it is in favor of the rights of the certain individuals why does it force them to hide their identities? Gays aren't prosecuted (from military personnel), its a myth. The only prosecuting is strictly…
    • DADT is a counterproductive and it rids of very effective military personnel. Doctors, Mechanics, Pilots, Engineers, and etc. are being dishonorably discharged for coming out and saying they are homosexual. Bill Clinton established this policy to theoretically raise the…

    Against

    • Extend my argumentation stating that DADT is necessary to ensure gay rights. It may not be the best thing, but post repealing DADT would be far more detrimental than status quo. This round was conceded by the pro, that constitutes an automatic win for the con. Thanks all!
    • I am 100% for establishing a free military where gays can serve openly without negative repercussions. But, repealing DADT will not magically solve the problem of discharging gays for being gay. As I pointed out in my first set of arguments, there are preexisting laws that…
  24. 1074.

    The minimum drinking age should be lowered

    For

    • The drinking age and license ages need to be switched

    Against

    • Wow
    • wow already but ok...... 1.Why would we lower the age when the age now can barely handle drinking 2. teenagers bodies are still developing and the alcohol would only make the fail
  25. 1075.

    Courts have a responsibility to create racially balanced schools

    For

    • 1. Court ordered busing was the only strategy that could have desegregated Boston's schools because kids were taken to their own schools 2. children will benifit because it gives them much more to learn 3. If a judge tells parents wheree their kids should go, it will make…
    • 1.Kids will be less lonely because they will have a wider variety of friends rather than less than four friends. 2.There will be less violence because it will be easier to control. 3.This will not cause more bullying because eventually kids who don"t approve will approve.

    Against

    • there would be more culture. there would be no violence. schools are nto still seperate. there would be more bullying. kids wouldnt be safer.
    • 1)my exact words were may only work in poor communities, I never said would only work in poor communities and this is because the poor communities are more willing to let their children get a better education in the rich communities, the rich will just simply get up and move.…
  26. 1076.

    Prosecutions help the healing process

    For

    • Deters future offences
    • The only just method

    Against

    • Prosecutions don't get to the real truth
    • Fear of prosecutions cause leaders to do more damage
  27. 1077.

    The Patriot Act is unconstitutional and should be repealed

    For

    • The simple fact of the matter is that we have allowed the government to extend it's reach past the point that any government, whose not in the middle of an invasion, should be able to go. As I posted before they have violated many of our constitutional civil liberties and we…
    • "Before I begin, I politely request that those who vote on this debate make their decision based on which debater won the argument rather than your own beliefs pertaining to the Patriot Act." I completely agree and would ask no differently from everyone voting. "The key phrase…

    Against

    • okay, I'll coincide this one. I apologize that I didn't post in the allotted time. Good Round. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    • Before I begin, I politely request that those who vote on this debate make their decision based on which debater won the argument rather than your own beliefs pertaining to the Patriot Act. In my opponent's first argument he (if it is a she please correct me) says that the…
  28. 1078.

    Attorney-client privilege should be abolished

    For

    • Attorney client privilege need not be sacrosanct in all situations
    • It places excessive moral burden on solicitors

    Against

    • It better enables Attorneys to advance their client's case
    • Client-Attorney Privilege is already qualified appropriately
  29. 1079.

    Prison sentences are not accurately calibrated to crimes

    For

    • Don't take quotes from sites or books unless you are using it to proving3:Failure to debate during the debating period wil result in a 7 point forfeit. This debate is basically fighting on how prison sentences aren't accurate, but if they are the con would hav to prove they're…

    Against

    • I didn't realize that the Instigator himself has set forth the rule that: "Failure to debate during the debating period will result in a 7 point forfeit."It is therefore appropriate for his own rules to be applied to his own lack of debating, thus resulting in my opponent…
    • In the spirit of fairness, I will wait for my opponent to begin this debate by presenting his argument(s) since he is Pro. If my opponent forfeits the next round, I will present my case and ask that the full forfeit be considered when it comes time to vote. I do not wish this…
  30. 1080.

    Citizens ought to be allowed to own handguns

    For

    • Although I will admit that not everything is always used with its original intention, the purpose of citizens owning handguns is to protect them. As to harming society in general: Society is not hurt because individuals own handguns. Society is hurt by individuals. You cannot…
    • First of all, I have a question about the way you worded the resolution. The word "ought" means "to be under a moral obligation to do or be". So what the resolution says is that citizens are morally obligated to possess handguns. Did you mean it to be like "Citizens ought to be…

    Against

    • You wouldn't happen to be a (former) high school debater, would you? I recognize much of your rhetoric and language. Anyway, on to your points: FIRST AND FOREMOST, just because making something illegal creates the risk of black market sale of said item, doesn't mean we ought to…
    • What one ought to do, in this context, is what would best be protecting that individual without harming society. On to your points: You bring up the preventative measures in place to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those who don't know how to use them. This says…
  31. 1081.

    People should not be arrested for poor hygiene

    For

    • We're close the last round make your arguments quick.
    • First you never accepted the debate when I blatantly said round one was acceptance nor did you state your position/opinion, I mean hygene in general, and I took the pro/for side I was against the concept of people being arrested for their hygene you appear to be the same side…

    Against

    • this means I win hahahahahahahaha you should really stop forfeiting theses things.
    • u forfeited ha jokes on u i didn't even know what it meant
  32. 1082.

    Murderers should be barred from inheriting from their victims

    For

    • 1.On August 13th, 1880 Francis Palmer, grandfather, created his last will, giving small legacies to his two daughters, Mrs. Riggs and Mrs. Preston (Plaintiffs), and remainder of the estate to his grandson, Elmer Palmer (Defendant). The legacies would be subject to the support…
    • 1.On August 13th, 1880 Francis Palmer, grandfather, created his last will, giving small legacies to his two daughters, Mrs. Riggs and Mrs. Preston (Plaintiffs), and remainder of the estate to his grandson, Elmer Palmer (Defendant). The legacies would be subject to the support…

    Against

    • (1.)On August 13, 1880, Francis B. Palmer made his last will and testament, in which he gave small legacies to his two daughters, Mrs. Riggs and Mrs. Preston (the plaintiffs), and the remainder to his grandson, the defendant, Elmer E. Palmer, subject to support of Susan Palmer…
    • I understand that morals and law go hand-in-hand but this case is not about morals, it is about the law and what the law-makers intended when they created statutes regarding wills. But, if you want to talk about morals then can"t you say that it would be immoral to not grant…
  33. 1083.

    Laws restricting teenagers should be abolished

    For

    • Work 1. Being a teen causes distrust. There is no evidence being a ten causes distrust. Should we restrict everyone who distrusts the system? And/or everyone who is not likely to complain? "Psychopathy" is a term used to describe individuals who meet certain characteristics. As…
    • Work 1. People tend tobe disrespectful to young people. Should we put these restrictions on a race/ethnic group just because people tend to be disrespectful to that group? No. 2. Even in theWestern countries, employers tend to overcome regulations which they do notconsider…

    Against

    • Work Psychopathy: I am glad that you go into the characteristics of psychopathy, but you apparently did not get the point. This was an . indeed harsh - example. If there are signs for psychopathy, that person is treated medically, and not let to risk others and themselves.…
    • Work: Respect: it just backed up my reasoning, and was not a standalone part. I mentioned respect as it causes poorer work conditions, which, alongside of the lack of trust in the system creates a harmful situation, making the law have positive effects. Complaints: that is what…
  34. 1084.

    Marijuana should be legal for recreational use

    For

    • Sources from http://www.drugwarfacts.org... will be cited by the number corresponding to where it was found. Understand that I believe that possession and the private use of marijuana should always be legal. Driving while intoxicated should not (and already is illegal). Smoking…
    • 1. Who said it has to be smoked? There are several means of using marijuana: eating, vaporizing, brewing into drinks, and capsulizing the crystalized resins. "...Among these people, 1,421 cases of cancer were found, but marijuana use—defined as taking the drug on six or more…

    Against

    • - REBUTTAL - 1. Marijuana is not addictive; no withdrawal. I smoke pot. A lot of it (and not that mediocre suburban crap either :P). If marijuana were not addictive, why would I have just spent a good deal of money on the stuff just yesterday? Clearly it's not because "I just…
    • Like I said, I am 100% Pro-Legalization of marijuana. However, Pro did not win this debate: 1. He attempted to prove that marijuana wasn't addicting but failed. 2. He did not argue that marijuana was a Gateway Drug. Simply saying "No it's not" does not mean you have presented…
  35. 1085.

    Law enforcement officers should face the same penalties as criminals

    For

    • Another forfeit from my opponent. All withstanding arguments extend, and they have not even been rebutted. A note to judges: My opponent chose "Con" but probably meant "Pro" judging from his arguments. Who is "Con" and who is "Pro" in this debate does not matter, so please…
    • My opponent has forfeited this round. All my previous arguments stand.

    Against

    • My opponent needs to understand that i to was a victim by police. But i have also taken witness to police that have abused their power by beating up certain people who have done nothing wrong period. I have also witnessed police officers harassing and disrespecting people that…
    • My opponent is in a very strong case of deniable facts. Law officers are corrupted and crooked i'm not saying this about all officers there are a few good ones out there but only a few cops. But a good many of them get away with more crimes then an ordinary citizen. what my…
  36. 1086.

    The Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional

    For

    • School usually never tells kids that they don't have to do the pledge, meaning kids usually do it not knowing they can not do the pledge. I was using the unjust government as a example of why the pledge is unconstitutional, they cannot do what the founders did as they made a…
    • 1. it is unconstitutional as what if someone did not want to say the pledge because they came from another country? Wouldn't that be against the first amendment? Freedom of Speech, that also means you have the freedom to say the pledge or not. Also the 5th amendment says you…

    Against

    • Pro hasn't made any attempt at an argument in favor of the resolution, which means that he completely fails to meet his burden and thus, should lose this debate. The choice of saying the pledge of allegiance is a choice. Saying the pledge does not mean that you are not…
    • Pro doesn't even come close to a proper rebuttal of anything that I said. All he does is say that forcing someone to say the pledge is unconstitutional, not that the pledge itself IS unconstitutional, and that is what the debate is really about.He says that the pledge of…
  37. 1087.

    Teens should be tried as adults for serious crimes

    For

    • vote for me my opponet does not know crap.
    • Shame my opponent forfeited so i will to.

    Against

    • Im doing a debate for school and i need a little help and practice . The topic is should teens be tried as adults , and in my opinion i think they shouldn't . Because of the face that us as teens are being told that we need to stay kids as long as possible . Our parents tell us…
  38. 1088.

    17-year-olds should be tried as adults for serious crimes

    For

    • Glad you asked. Here is my answer #1 The First Amendment guarantees the free exercise of religion. The pastor has chosen as part of his ministry distilling advice on what he believes to be the proper way to correct disobedient children and teenagers.. A way which he finds…
    • According to a pastor of a Christian Church, a real one, 17 year old children should be whipped with a switch to correct willful disobedience. I will be pro and take the position supporting the pastor on his views on the corporal punishment of teenagers. My opening argument is…

    Against

    • So, let me get this right..you think it is okay for a legal child to be whipped if they are disobedient? Let me just say that this is child abuse, and what that pastor says will not keep you out of jail. I highly doubt that the law cares about a book stating that it is okay to…
    • First of all, spanking and whipping a child are completely different. Second, if the pastor believes that whipping a child is a good substitute for a less destructive punishment, then he needs to be sent to jail, ad does anyone who hurts or damages a child. Beating or whipping…
  39. 1089.

    Lockean property rights should guide government policy

    For

    • 1) Attribution Ownership Through Work A) Insufficient Definition of Life There is a fundamental difference between the way gravity acts on a body and the way an organism acts on its surroundings. A sun or a planet doesn't have to DO anything to be acted upon by gravity and…
    • === defence of pro case === (1) Attribution ownership through work A) Insufficient definition of Life Con claims my definition of life is insufficient because there are examples that fit the definition of life that are typically not categorized as life such as the sun and…

    Against

    • ==== Pro case ==== 1) Attribution ownership through work A) Insufficient Definition of Life Pro has now clarified his definition of life to the point where I don't feel like nitpicking anymore. Instead, I'll ask that the judges look to my extension – "Life" cannot be the source…
    • ====Pro Case==== 1) Attribution Ownership Through Work A) Insufficient Definition of Life Pro further complicates his definition of life by invoking dissipative structures. He then goes on to say that even this is an insufficient condition for life, and that things need to…
  40. 1090.

    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights should be taken more seriously

    For

    • 2nd Round - Opening Statement/Arguments. 3rd Round - Rebuttals. 4th Round - Closing Statement/Supporting Arguments.
    • Thank you, Con. First off, let me state that the first part of Con's argument is simply scientific proof of life's Unalienable Rights. This is entirely irrelevant to this debate as we are debating which must be taken more seriously. Not whether or not there is scientific proof…

    Against

    • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sounds inviting, and one could only hope such a list will one day make a difference. The point I (Con) is stressing is knowing the prerequisite for UDHR, where it is the prerequisite that "must be taken more seriously" for UDHR to stand…
    • " Seldom do I receive such complement on any debating website. Recorded history about the social empirical outcome as a function of institutional configuration of governance is hard to refute. There is clear historical empirical outcome between an institution implementing…
  41. 1091.

    Relabeling a penalty as a tax removes its legal problems

    For

    • It doesn't matter if you never use the emergency room. Paying the tax insures that you can if you need to. Its just like car insurance. The states make you pay for car insurance even if you have never been in a wreck. The reason is not necessarily to protect you, but to protect…
    • You are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts. The 16th amendment is a ratified part of the constitution and thus law. The original "intent" of the founding fathers is irrelevant. Whether or not you want to get emergency care is not important. If you are hit by…

    Against

    • Your rare example of a car accident and being incapacitated is not true. Anyone who goes to the emergency room, with or without insurance gets billed. If they have insurance then they may or may not cover a portion of this, the rest is due from the person. Only if that person…
    • For starters, the constitution itself does not grant the federal government the right to collect income taxes. The 16th amendment was added in the early 1900's (http://en.wikipedia.org...). So these taxes that you have come to know and embrace was actually an addition and not…
  42. 1092.

    The minimum legal drinking age should be abolished

    For

    • BACKGROUND: The National Minimum Drinking Age Act 1984 (also known as MLDA21) was passed by the US Congress on 17 July 1984. It requires states to create laws setting the minimum age to purchase or publicly posses alcoholic beverages to twenty-one. States that do not comply…
    • I see the problem now. We're approaching this from completely different grounds. Although we're in agreement that the current drinking age doesn't work, my opponent seems to belief the best solution is to ramp up enforcement, whereas I belief the entire thing should be…

    Against

    • My opponent's resolution has a crucial word in it, the grammatical conjuction "and". This means that I only need to refute one of the two claims my opponent has made: that either the MLDA21 should be repealed OR that the drinking age should be eliminated. Of course, I could do…
    • I'm sorry, but my opponent's final argument is nothing more than a forfeit. Whether he intended to or not, unfortunately in a debate you can't just say we have fundamental differences and tell the voters to leave this issue resolved. I'm not sure how we are "approaching this…
  43. 1093.

    The US president's primary duty is upholding the Constitution

    For

    • I will argue that upholding the United States constitution is not the primary duty is the president of the United States
    • That will be fun to watch

    Against

    • We're arguing the same thing I believe. We're both arguing that upholding the constitution should not be the primary duty of the President of the Uited States. I posted the resolved and then took the side negating the resolution.Sorry for the confusion.
    • I will maintain that the President of the United States primary duty should be to do what is best for United States citizens, not necesarially what is constitutional.Round one will not contain any arguments. It will only entail the acceptance of the debate.
  44. 1094.

    The US Constitution does not give Congress power to aid the poor

    For

    • Thank you, Con. To start with, concerning the BOP (Burden of Proof), this is my first, formal debate with someone, so my apologies for being a bit inexperienced, to put it simply. I shall give a rebuttal of Con's claims (though I admit that I do agree with some of them) and…
    • I would like to start by stating the reason for the "No Supreme Court Cases" rule as brought up by JohnMaynardKeynes in the comments section and Con in the acceptance round. This debate, as I have stated in the introduction, has to do with weather or not social welfare programs…

    Against

    • This is an easy Con ballot. Here is why:Remember two things (one of which I have explicitly maintained throughout the debate):1) I do not have to defend the constitutionality of every single government action to help the poor and needy. If I have shown that even one is…
    • I shall first lay out three distinct points in support of my side of the case. I will attempt to be simple and concise in my arguments. A quick note: Pro has the exclusive BOP in this round. All I must do is cast doubt upon his claims, and I shall win the debate. I. The…
  45. 1095.

    Age discrimination in the workplace should be illegal

    For

    • I will refute what the negative stated and then i will rebuild my arguments of why it needs to be illegal. Negative states and argues, referring to my first contention, by questioning what I stated meaning that adults can do just as much as teenagers can do and vice versa. I…
    • Hello. This debate is open for a challenger. The resolve is that age discrimination in the workplace should be illegal. I will now start the affirmative constructive stating why it should be illegal. I will first define a couple of words stated in this debate. (1) Age is the…

    Against

    • Disappointingly, my opponent has decided to forfeit his last round.
    • 1. My opponent makes a good case in the first half of his rebuttal for MY side of the argument. He points out that with time, people gain knowledge and wisdom. So with jobs requiring a great deal of experience and knowledge, surely companies would be justified in preferring…
  46. 1096.

    Rehabilitation should be valued above retribution in US criminal justice

    For

    • My opponnent states that " Not having stats doesn't mean your argument is unsound. " but in this case it does. Were debating changing the prison system of the united states, so for a plan to be valid it must have some proven evidence so we can hypothoseis which out come will be…
    • Im my opponents case all his evidence comes from people theorizing that suffering is necessary. He does not state any proven facts or statistics. I also stated it my case that " the resolution uses "valued above", that does not mean I have to value just one and disregard the…

    Against

    • 'Tis a sad day that this debate has become what it is. My opponent still fails to adequetly respond to anything coming off of my case, rather still insisting that I need statistics among other things without answering back for all the reasons I explained in the previous round…
    • Whelp, this is dissapointing. She's not really making any kind of attempt to engage with the NC other than to say that I never give any kind of stats so I'm wrong and that it's "valued above" so she can do both. I'll respond to both before going back over the NC.Her first…
  47. 1097.

    Corporations should be granted the rights of people

    For

    • Con came up with the following Jefferson's quote:"We hold these truths to be sacred & undeniable; that all men are created equal & independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent & inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the…
    • Seido (Con) I wish you a speedy recovery from your oral surgery. Con mentioned that "the majority of this debate will be interpreting laws..." The laws I will be focusing on starts in one of our founding documents, and on the eve of the Fourth of July, it is most fitting to…

    Against

    • That quote by Jefferson is from the original version of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. It is what most people are quoting when they say that we have the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I brought it up to rebut the points…
    • As was stated at the beginning of Round One, we will be debating whether or not corporations are humans and if the Bill of Rights and Constitution of the United States of America apply to them as well. In his opening argument, my opponent made an avid comparison between that of…
  48. 1098.

    The federal income tax is constitutional

    For

    • "The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration." The Constitution itself says it's constitutional. All I hear is rhetoric that says…

    Against

    • The income tax is unconstitutional because it violates the "due process" cause of the bill of rights. When evaluating tax returns, the IRS assumes you are guilty until proven innocent. Also, tax investigations are carried out in such a way that the people under investigations…
    • Vote for me! A vote for Con is a vote not against refusing to use double negatives! (yay min. word limits!)
  49. 1099.

    The US Constitution should require a balanced federal budget

    For

    • Spending limits creates certainty for job creation.
    • Balanced budget will bring fed spending in line with states'.

    Against

    • Amend would create Const. crisis, court battle w/ each budget.
    • Balanced budget amendment undervalues loans and debt
  50. 1100.

    Suspects should be charged immediately when guilt is clear

    For

    • Ariel Castro held 3 women captive and abused and raped them for 10 years and before one of them finally escaped with a child on her side. This is enough evidence to go ahead and charge and sentence him without having to have a trial.

    Against

    • Unfortunately, my opponent seems to have forfeited completely. Rather a waste of my time, but I'll close my arguments nonetheless. What seems "obvious" at first glance is often only "obvious" because of the manner the situation is portrayed by the one telling the story. The…
    • The burden of proof rests with my opponent. I hope he makes his case next round.

How to use these debate topics

  • Vote, discuss, revote. Poll the room on the motion, give 5 minutes of discussion, then vote again and look at who changed their mind.
  • Four corners. Label corners strongly agree → strongly disagree; people move, then each corner makes its best case.
  • Switch sides. Halfway through, everyone argues the side they disagree with. It sharpens listening.

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