September/OctoberInternational Relations
NSDA by season
Lincoln-Douglas
One-on-one debate built around values: each side defends a value and a criterion for weighing it. The resolution changes every two months. How Lincoln-Douglas works
November/DecemberCrime and Justice
Resolved: in the criminal justice system, truth seeking ought to take precedence over privileged communication.
January/FebruaryEthics and Philosophy
Resolved: when in conflict, the spirit of the law ought to take priority over the letter of the law.
March/AprilEthics and Philosophy
Resolved: the principle of majority rule ought to be valued above the principle of minority rights.
NationalsEthics and Philosophy
Resolved: the protection of domestic order justifies the curtailment of First Amendment rights.
Policy
Two-on-two debate on one resolution for the whole season. The affirmative proposes a plan and both sides use a lot of evidence. How Policy works
Whole seasonEnvironment and Animals
That the United States government should reduce worldwide pollution through its trade and/or aid policies.
About NSDA topics
The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) is the largest high school speech and debate organization in the United States. It publishes the resolutions that US tournaments use each season: a new Public Forum topic every month or two, a Lincoln-Douglas topic every two months, and one Policy topic for the whole year. Its National Tournament in June has its own topics.
Resolutions from NSDA's topic page, credited to the National Speech & Debate Association. NCFL Nationals topics are from the National Catholic Forensic League tournament, as listed by NSDA.