Current Debate Topics from the National Speech and Debate Association

Policy Debate – 2018-2019 Topic

Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially reduce its restrictions on legal immigration to the United States.

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Lincoln-Douglas Debate--OCTOBER 2018
Resolved: In the United States, reporters ought to have the right to protect the identity of confidential sources.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate – Novice TopicResolved: Civil disobedience in a democracy is morally justified.
Establishing a resolution for the first two months of the novice season enables the Association to create educational materials that can be updated and improved year-to-year, and allows educators to have a consistent topic geared toward novices that will enhance and streamline their novice LD curriculum, particularly after the first year of implementation. Coaches are encouraged to check with tournament hosts in their area before exclusively prepping for one topic over another.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
Resolved: In a democracy, the public’s right to know ought to be valued above the right to privacy of candidates for public office.

PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE
​​Public Forum Debate – 2018 September/October Topic Area: U.S Foreign Policy

Resolved: The United States should accede to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea without reservations.

Public Forum Debate--2018 November/December Topic Area: Health Care
​Resolved: The United States federal government should impose price controls on the pharmaceutical industry.

Big Questions – 2018-2019 Topic

Resolved: Humans are primarily driven by self-interest.