1 What is a topicality argument?

A topicality argument is a type of procedural argument that claims that the affirmative case does not meet the definition or interpretation of a key term or phrase in the resolution. For example, if the resolution is "This house would legalize euthanasia", a topicality argument could be that the affirmative case only applies to assisted suicide, not euthanasia, and therefore is not topical. A topicality argument usually consists of four parts: interpretation, violation, standards, and voters.

2 What is an interpretation?

An interpretation is the definition or explanation of a term or phrase in the resolution that the negative team proposes as the correct or best one. The interpretation should be clear, precise, and reasonable, and should come from a credible source, such as a dictionary, an expert, or a legal document. The interpretation should also be consistent with the intent and purpose of the resolution, and not be too broad or too narrow.

3 What is a violation?

A violation is the demonstration of how the affirmative case does not meet or comply with the interpretation proposed by the negative team. The violation should be specific and factual, and should show how the affirmative case deviates from or contradicts the interpretation. The violation should also be significant and relevant, and not be trivial or nitpicky.

4 What are standards?

Standards are the reasons or criteria why the interpretation proposed by the negative team is better or more preferable than the one used by the affirmative team. Standards can be based on various factors, such as fairness, education, predictability, limits, ground, or jurisdiction. Standards should be explained and justified, and should show how the interpretation enhances or preserves the quality and integrity of the debate.

5 What are voters?

Voters are the implications or consequences of accepting or rejecting the topicality argument. Voters usually appeal to the role and responsibility of the judge, and explain why the judge should vote for the negative team based on the topicality argument. Voters can be based on various principles, such as justice, logic, consistency, or authority. Voters should be clear and compelling, and should show how the topicality argument outweighs or undermines the affirmative case.

6 How to respond to a topicality argument?

In responding to a topicality argument, the strength and validity of the interpretation, violation, standards, and voters presented by the negative team should be considered. A counter-interpretation, which offers a different definition or explanation of the term or phrase in question and explains why it is better or more preferable than the negative team's interpretation, is one way to respond. Additionally, showing that the affirmative case does meet or comply with the negative team's interpretation can be used as a response. Counter-standards can also be used to challenge or refute the reasons or criteria why the negative team's interpretation is better or more preferable and provide alternative or additional standards that support the affirmative team's interpretation. Lastly, denying or diminishing the implications or consequences of accepting or rejecting the topicality argument and arguing that it does not outweigh or undermine the affirmative case can be used as a response.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?