Core Values and Value Criteria
Listen to the short podcast episode here (4:07)
Lincoln-Douglas debate isn’t just about proving your side is correct - it’s about proving that your side better upholds a core value. Every debate resolution is rooted in a fundamental principle, something that helps determine what is right, just, or ethical. If you don’t establish a clear value, your argument won’t have a foundation.
A core value is the big-picture idea that your case is built around. It answers the question: What is the most important principle in this debate? Some of the most common values in LD debate include:
Justice - Is the resolution fair to all parties involved?
Morality - Is the resolution ethically sound?
Democracy - Does the resolution support or strengthen democratic principles?
Liberty - Does the resolution protect individual freedoms?
Human dignity - Does the resolution respect the inherent worth of people?
Your value is the why behind your position. It tells the judge what standard they should use when evaluating the debate. (See this document for a list of additional values). But just stating a value isn’t enough - you also need a value criterion to explain how that value should be measured.
What is a Value Criterion?
A value criterion is the specific way you prove your value is achieved. Think of it as the method or test for deciding which side better upholds the value.
For example:
If your value is justice, your criterion might be protecting due process - the idea that fairness in the legal system ensures justice.
If your value is morality, your criterion might be minimizing harm - the idea that moral actions are those that reduce suffering.
If your value is democracy, your criterion might be upholding majority rule with minority rights - the idea that a democracy must balance power fairly.
Your criterion gives direction to your case. Without it, your value is just an abstract idea with no way to prove that your side best supports it. (See this document for a list of additional criteria).
How Values and Criteria Work in a Round
During a debate, both the affirmative and negative will present their own value and criterion. The judge will ultimately decide which side provides the best framework for evaluating the resolution. That’s why your job isn’t just to defend your own value - it’s also to explain why your opponent’s framework is weaker. If their value doesn’t apply to the resolution or their criterion doesn’t actually measure it, you can challenge it and shift the debate in your favor.
The Bottom Line
Every LD debate is a battle of values. The stronger your framework, the stronger your case. If you can clearly explain why your value matters and how your criterion upholds it, you won’t just be making arguments - you’ll be winning them.