In this assignment, you are asked to prepare the opening statements for the affirmative and opposing sides in a debate on punishment, justice, and reform proposition. Also, draw on concepts concerned with the principles of punishment and sentencing as well as arguments based on theoretical understandings of punishment

Based on the readings for the first three weeks of this unit, prepare the opening statements for the affirmative and opposing sides in a debate on the following proposition: (Punishment, Justice and Reform)

Punishment in contemporary society is no longer focused on correction. It is more concerned with managing crime at an acceptable level.

Each student will submit in writing the opening statement for the affirmative (500 words) and the opposition (500 words) – a total of 1000 words.
You should draw on concepts concerned with the principles of punishment and sentencing as well as arguments based on theoretical understandings of punishment (for more detail see the Study Guide, p.13).

Punishment, Justice and Reform

1st Affirmative
1) Define the topic: explain the issue of the debate, briefly describing
the argument that each side must present.
2) Present affirmative case statement: this should briefly summarize
the main argument of the team.
3) Present case division: state the arguments to be presented by the first
and second speakers (third speakers need not be mentioned, as their
role is rebuttal).
4) Present arguments: attempt to set out each argument separately and
thematically, with the most important coming first. The first speaker
may need to introduce a ‘model’ or a ‘test’. (See the provided
document below for more on models and tests.)
5) Summarise: the speaker should briefly summarise the arguments
raised in her/his speech, reiterate the arguments that are to be
presented by the second speaker and link these to the case statement.
o 1st Negative
1) Where necessary, clarify the issue established by the affirmative’s
definition.
2) Present negative case statement: this should briefly summarize the
main argument of the team.
3) Present rebuttal: this should be thematic and address the most
important points raised by the first affirmative speaker.
4) Present case division: state the arguments to be presented by the first
and second speakers (third speakers need not be mentioned, as their
role is rebuttal).
5) Present arguments: attempt to set out each argument separately and
thematically, with the most important coming first. The first speaker
may need to introduce a ‘counter model’.
6) Summarise: the speaker should briefly summarise the arguments
raised in her/his speech, reiterate the arguments that are to be
presented by the second speaker and link these to the case statement

(Punishment, Justice and Reform)