Case Line and Values Debate

Objective:
You will know how to make a case line statement and relate arguments to case line in values debate.

Key Learning - Case line is naturally found in values debate

  • The thesis comes from the chosen topic (resolution), but is more specific and represents a position
  • The role of cohesive arguments is more important in values debate than it is in policy debate, making case line quality critical
  SEDA Values debate USDS Values Debate
Topic

Topic is mandated by the resolution

  • topic may be narrowed or modified by definition, but is basically the same
  • topic is set in the here and now
  • both sides know the topic in advance

Resolution is a tool for creating a link to a desired topic that is:

  • debatable
  • common knowledge
  • a topic that can be set in a particular time or place
  • defined by the Government, and Opposition learns about it during the debate
Definitions
  • debatable
  • not truism or tautology
  • narrows scope of debate
  • words used to define terms are the key to the debate
  • starts with a link
  • debatable
  • not truism or tautology
  • specifies scope of debate
  • spirit of the topic is the key point of the debate
Case Line  
  • creates a position on the set topic (thesis)
  • has related arguments that become the points for debate
 
  • becomes the philosophy of each side of the debate
  • is the main point of contention
  • focuses the debate, specifically the reply speech
   
     

Because case line is what the debate is about in university values debate, good debaters generally use case line, at least on the Government, even if they do not know what it is called. The process of defining a debate in university values debate forces debaters to use a case line, which takes the form of a statement about "what this debate will be about". This statement usually occurs in the first minute of the Prime Minister's address.

Having a case line is not the same as using that case line.
Common errors include:

  • stating a case line but never returning to it
  • building arguments that do not follow the case line statement
  • not having a case line on the negative and just running a clash case
  • failure to clash with an opponent's case line

To Do:

Three common SEDA values resolutions are stated below. Write a case line and three corresponding arguments for each. Check your case line an arguments against the criteria for a good case line when you get to the next page:

BIRT the media stifles creativity and originality.

BIRT the school day should be changed.

BIRT multiculturalism is fundamental to Canada.

Key Questions:

  1. How are arguments different in values and policy debate?
  2. Where does the debate focus in a values debate?
  3. Why is case line naturally inserted in values debate?

Summary:

Case lines help to focus values debate on a key question or key position on each side of the debate. In SEDA values debate the role of the case line is to narrow the focus. In university values debate, the role of the case line is to establish the topic of the debate, specifically the position of each side.

View Next Page - Constructing a Case