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What Is Policy Debate?

Policy is a team debate event in which two sides argue about a topic called the Resolution. Policy debates often cover difficult, complicated topics voted on once a year, but the activity is designed to be judged by non-specialists. In other words, any reasonably well-informed person should be able to judge a Policy debate. Debaters should:

• Display solid logic, lucid reasoning, and depth of analysis to pursue audience

• Utilize evidence without being driven by it

• Present a clash of ideas by countering/refuting arguments of the opposing team

• Communicate ideas with clarity, organization, eloquence, and professional decorum

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