JCDL participants can also compete in the Lincoln-Douglas debate division. Questions of the value of democracy relative to authoritarian forms of government, the absolute nature of free speech, and the controversial ethics of euthanasia or information technology are just a few of the questions debated in recent Lincoln-Douglas history. Lincoln-Douglas debaters focus on rhetorical training and learn how the criterion for evaluating facts is just as important as the facts themselves. The JCDL partnership that brings debate to Kentuckiana. One thing neither side argues about is the value of debate for students who participate in it.
Students gain communication, research, argumentation, and analytical skills.
They learn to think on their feet, to present thoughts in a cogent, organized fashion, and to pinpoint an argument's weaknesses or where the logic breaks down. The JCDL partnership celebrates the past, present, and future accomplishments of area high school participants at the end of each season. Area students regularly attend Emory University, Dartmouth College, the University of Michigan, and Northwestern University, as well as both UofL and the University of Kentucky. Fund-raising efforts target increased scholarship opportunities, as well as funds to support preparation, supplies, and travel in tournament competition. Donors can fund a scholarship for a summer debate institute, fund a school for participation in the league, or contribute towards our endowment to ensure the legacy of debate competition in Jefferson County and throughout the Commonwealth.