📜 Creating Policies

Imagine we are in a debate about banning corporal punishment in schools. It’s easy to see how that works if it becomes law – there aren’t many grey areas for us to think about. Not all debates are this simple. Sometimes we need to dedicate a portion of our speech time towards explaining how we will implement the motion.

Imagine we are debating the legalization of cannabis. There are many ways to implement this motion. Do we want to legalize this for medical use only? Will these sales be regulated by the state? Will there be restrictions on who can purchase? Will we tax these sales? Will we limit the quantities sold? Proposition’s answer to each of these questions will greatly change public perception of the motion and the pros and cons we will experience.

Not all debates need policies. Sometimes the general principle is where the focus really should be. But, if we do need a policy, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Your policy needs to be presented very early in the debate – ideally at the start of the first speaker’s speech.
• Policies box you in. Make sure you can operate within those constraints. If you change your mind later, you risk looking like you don’t have a game plan at all. This also creates a difficult playing field for your opponents to engage with.
• Be prepared to defend your compromises. Most aspects of a policy involve compromising on an extreme position. An extreme version of cannabis legalization involves everyone – including 6 year olds – having access. If you set an age limit – like 18 years old – you open discussions about whether an age restriction is enforceable at all. If you limit the quantities consumers may purchase, you’re admitting that cannabis is harmful when enough is consumed. Do we truly have the capability to know where that limit is for everyone?
• Policies can distract from the general principle. Sometimes how we do something is less important than whether we should do it at all.

Regardless of the side you are on, remember that debates are about striking a balance between the interests and rights of various parties. It is important to keep in mind that every debate topic, if implemented, has a corresponding loss for every benefit.