These past few months – the first of 2025 – have been quite eventful and exciting, filled with many successes and room for improvement. Nearly a dozen of our students are participating in topic-based debate events such as Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas. Here is a brief rundown of the topics that have been explored and debated by them:
Public Forum: “Resolved: The United States should accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.”
The February Public Forum topic delves into the complex issue of the United States’ relationship with international law and global justice institutions. Debaters are challenged to explore the implications of U.S. participation in the International Criminal Court (ICC), a body established to prosecute individuals for international crimes. Affirmative teams might argue that joining the ICC would strengthen the U.S.’s commitment to international justice and human rights, while negative teams could contend that accession might compromise U.S. sovereignty or expose American personnel to politically motivated prosecutions. Students must grapple with intricate legal, diplomatic, and ethical considerations, analyzing the potential impact on U.S. foreign policy, military operations, and global leadership.
Lincoln-Douglas: “Resolved: The United States ought to become party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and/or the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.”
The January/February Lincoln-Douglas topic broadens the scope of international treaty participation, combining the ICC issue with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This resolution challenges debaters to examine the philosophical and practical implications of U.S. engagement with major international legal frameworks. Affirmative cases might argue that joining these treaties would enhance U.S. influence in shaping global norms and protect vital national interests in maritime affairs and international justice. Negative arguments could focus on potential limitations on U.S. autonomy, conflicts with domestic law, or strategic disadvantages. Students must navigate complex legal concepts, geopolitical considerations, and ethical frameworks to construct compelling arguments about the United States’ role in the international legal order.
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