1. Can you use a counter plan if you are running a case line on the negative?

    No, you can not run a case line if you intend to introduce a counter plan. A counter plan means you agree with the needs for change presented by the affirmative, but have a better plan to meet them. If you are running a case line, your case line statement must disagree with the resolution, so it can't agree with the affirmative needs for change. You technically could introduce a plan to support your own case line, but it would not be a wise choice. Plans are difficult to prove, and one of the things that make the affirmative case harder. In addition, many judges find a plan from the negative confusing and do not know how to score such a debate. Why make your job both more difficult and more confusing? Pick either a counter plan or a case line.

    2. What is the role of direct clash if the negative uses a case line?

    In a traditional needs case, the negative uses global clash and direct clash. They use the same techniques in case line, they just add case clash. However, there is less direct clash in case line. The case line clash will automatically knock out some opponent's arguments, leaving you less need to clash directly. Since you spend some of your constructive speeches building case line on the negative, you have less time to clash. However, you will still use direct clash for the points your case line does not hit.

    3. Why is SEDA teaching case line anyway?

    For two reasons. Case line requires higher order thinking skills and relating ideas more completely. This raises the quality of debaters' critical thinking and the quality of the debate in general. In addition, case line is commonly used in many places around the world and in post-secondary debate. SEDA debaters will be much better prepared to debate in other places and at higher levels if they can use and deconstruct case line.

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News & Upcoming Events

  • SEDA Provincial Championships

    Mar. 24Saturday, March 24, 2012SHED, Saskatoon

    For more information please see the Provincials page. Provincials will be hosted by the Saskatoon Home Educated Debaters in Saskatoon at Walter Murray Collegiate on Saturday March 24th.

  • Donahoe Cup Debating Tournament

    Apr. 14Saturday, April 14, 2012Sacred Heart School of Halifax, Nova Scotia

    This is an invitational event.

    SEDA does not select delegates.

  • Sr. & Jr. Nationals

    Apr. 26Thursday, April 26, 2012Montreal, QC

    This year the Junior and Senior National Debate Championships will be held in conjunction in Montreal. To find out more information about the Senior and Junior National Debating Championships please see the Junior National information page on our website.

     

    Visit the Host web site for complete details!

  • National Seminar

    May. 8Tuesday, May 8, 2012Regina, SK

    The National Seminar will be taking place in Saskatchewan this year from May 8 to 13, 2012 (including travel days).

    For more information please see our National Seminar page. It will be updated frequently as SEDA continues to plan the event.