Policy debate is a two on two debate format which teaches analytical, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. Focusing on one policy topic for the duration of the session, with this year’s being “The United States federal government should enact substantial criminal justice reform in the United States in one or more of the following: forensic science, policing, sentencing,” Students will be able to sharpen their research skills and learn how to construct arguments for both sides of a topic. Students will be able to use previously researched evidence in addition to their own critical arguments during the debate round. This class will teach each student the format and basics of policy debate, from researching to argument construction, and will involve practice debating as would occur in tournaments. If you interested in developing public speaking and reasoning skills or are passionate about criminal justice, this class is for you. We are eager to hear all of your ideas!