Resources > Debate Rules
Debate Rules
Jim Hilbert
This is a scored negotiation exercise intended for law students and professionals. The underlying scenario involves the negotiation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between two cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) on rules for a debate between the mayors of the cities (of course, the subject of the debate can be easily modified). Sample MOUs on debate rules are included from past presidential campaigns. The student negotiators receive points depending on which specific provisions are included in the final deal. A confidential “points grid” is provided to each side with a list of the points received for each item.
Debate Rules: Instructor Notes & Background (PDF)
Debate Rules: Memorandum of Understanding – Bush / Kerry (PDF)
Debate Rules: Memorandum of Understanding – Obama / Romney(PDF)
Debate Rules: Packet for Minneapolis (PDF)
Debate Rules: Packet for St. Paul (PDF)