Public Forum Debate
2 vs. 2 debate format focused on arguing the real-world effects of the topic in a way the general public can understand it
Public Forum debaters will have a heavy focus on
Evidence
Data
Sources
Data
Sources
Past Public Forum Resolutions
Resolved: On balance, the benefits of creating the United States Space Force outweigh the harms
Resolved: On balance, the benefits of urbanization in West Africa outweigh the harms
Resolved: The United States should end its economic sanctions against Venezuela
Resolved: The benefits of the United States federal government's use of offensive cyber operations outweigh the harms
Resolved: The European Union should join the Belt and Road Initiative
Resolved: On balance, the benefits of urbanization in West Africa outweigh the harms
Resolved: The United States should end its economic sanctions against Venezuela
Resolved: The benefits of the United States federal government's use of offensive cyber operations outweigh the harms
Resolved: The European Union should join the Belt and Road Initiative
Public Forum Format
One team argues the PRO of the resolution
One team argues the CON of the resolution
Debaters have to be prepared to support both sides of the resolution, and will have to do so several times during a tournament
One team argues the CON of the resolution
Debaters have to be prepared to support both sides of the resolution, and will have to do so several times during a tournament