This lesson emphasizes the virtues underlying John Marshall's commitment to his duties as public official and member of a family. It is based on the National Register of Historic Places registration file "John Marshall House" and information from the John Marshall Foundation of Richmond, Virginia, and the Association for the Preservation…

This document contains resources and suggested steps to help secondary teachers organize and conduct a mock trial. Although written specifically for use in Missouri, the document can easily be used and adapted by teachers in other states. The authors believe that a mock trial is a valuable learning experience in many ways. It may be used to help…

Although a good deal of the controversy over debate strategy versus substance has been on the construction of both affirmative and negative cases, the most widespread concern is with the use of the "spread." Debate scholars argue that the spread can be misused in two somewhat similar ways. The strategic spread, in which a large number of…

This paper explores a philosophical framework for using the ballots which a contestant receives as part of one's participation in a forensic tournament. The central thesis of this theoretical article suggests that coaches need to prepare their students for the criticism they will encounter on judge ballots. The argument is made for establishing…

A rules-based approach to the problems of debate (such as that proposed by the American Debate Association) will fail to provide a solution to debate's ills and may only increase the problems. Debate's current problems have to do with debate performance, e.g., speaking rate, poor quality evidence, and irrational arguments. A solution to these…

The pamphlet briefly describes various facets of the law and legal system in Wisconsin, and defines many legal terms. The objective is to further public understanding of the law and of the legal profession, particularly in Wisconsin. No attempt is made to answer specific legal questions. Sections cover civil and criminal law; the federal court…

In 1978-79 the Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Association adopted a three-part testing procedure to certify debate judges and make them eligible for officiating at district and state tournaments. The development and application of the procedure required a blending of debate principles and administration. Certification as a debate judge required…

Examines the use of pretournament workshops and instruction packets as means of eliminating errors made by uninformed debate judges. Offers suggestions to judges which are intended to help them develop more articulate and educationally valuable student critiques. (Author/GEA)

Describes a program to certify state and district judges of high school debate tournaments. Covers constructing the written test, evaluating the ballot test, implementing certification, and assessing the program. (PD)

Comments on the misuse of language in student publications and other media. (HOD)

Identifies the 20 most-asked questions regarding the judging of student publications by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. Provides answers to help clarify these matters. (MG)

Asserts that policy debate is declining, mainly because of incomprehensible argumentation and speaking. Claims that judges should intervene in the debate process to demand certain minimums of effective argument. Advocates the creation of a debate coach organization that would establish general norms for judging behavior. (MM)

Argues that the addition of nontraditional judges will improve the educational value of forensics, strengthen public support of the activity, and help increase cultural diversity. (SR)

A metacritical judging model for contest oral interpretation that evaluates the performer's critical decisions is designed to meet three criteria: (1) it attempts to incorporate the advances of oral interpretation scholars outside the forensics community with the activity at forensics tournaments, (2) it recognizes that forensics competition is…

Contends that inconsistent judging often leaves contestants more confused than educated. Analyzes the effects of training and experience on judges' agreement in oral interpretation contests. (PD)