Cross-Examination Debate

Cross-examination or CX debate differs from other forms because after each constructive speechuses somewhat different terms from a parliamentary debate. The side in favour is called the affirmative and consists of the first affirmative and the second affirmative, while the side against is called the negative, and consists of the first negative and the second negative. The debate is presided over by the Chair of the debate. Points of Information are not allowed in cross-ex debate. The most important difference is that, at the end of their speech, each debater is questioned by one of their opponents. It is not often used in Canada anymore, although a version of it is very commonly used in the US. Your province may have its own version of CX rules, which you should be able to find on their website. If not, here is a sample from Manitoba.

Manitoba Rules of Cross-Examination Debate (Last modified February, 2022)

1) The debate will be presided over by Mr or Madam Chair.

2) The affirmative team (the side in favour) shall sit on the right hand side of the Chair. The negative (the side against) shall sit on the left.

3) The speaking order will be as follows: the first affirmative will speak, and then be questioned by the second negative. Next the first negative will speak after which he/she will be questioned by the first affirmative. The second affirmative will then speak and be cross-examined by the first negative. Next the second negative will speak and be questioned by the second affirmative. There will then be a break of 3 minutes. After the break the first negative will deliver their rebuttal. Finally the first affirmative will deliver the affirmative rebuttal. There will be no questions after the rebuttals. (One way to remember the sequence of questioning is that you are questioned by the person on the other side who is not going to speak next.) Following the adjournment of the debate, there will be an opportunity for debaters to point out any major rules violations by their opponents.

4) Speaking times will usually be 3 to 5 minutes for the major speeches, 2 to 3 minutes for questions, 2 to 3 minutes for rebuttals. These times may be altered for some events.

5) During the rebuttal speech, debaters may not bring up any new arguments or new evidence except in direct refutation of material which has already been presented.

6) The debater should address Mr/Madam Chair in their first sentence and may address others in the audience.

7) Other debaters should be referred to in the third person. They may be referred to as he or she or they, but never as you. The only exception to this occurs when asking or answering questions, in which case you do speak to your opponents directly, e.g. refer to them as "you".

8) Debaters will speak only when called upon by the Chair. When a debater has finished their constructive speech, however, the questioner should stand up and start asking questions without waiting to be called on by the Chair.

9) There are no points of order, privilege or heckles. At the conclusion of the debate, the Chair will ask debaters if there were any serious rules violations made by their opponents. Debaters should not use this opportunity to bring up trivial concerns, however.

10) The affirmative must define the resolution. Prepared resolutions must be defined in a way that a reasonable person would interpret the resolution unless squirreling (i.e. unusual definitions) is explicitly allowed in the invitation. The provision can be extended to impromptu resolutions by the tournament organizer. In case of doubt as to how reasonable it is, students or coaches should check with the organizer. Canned cases could lead to disqualification. The definition must be accepted unless it is undebatable or unreasonable, given the above conditions. If the negative wishes to challenge the definition they must do so in the first negative speech. The negative must show that the affirmative's definition is unacceptable and then substitute their own. They continue to argue the negative side.

11) If the debate is a policy debate (i.e. one in which the affirmative comes up with a plan or method of implementing the resolution), the negative may choose to propose a counter-plan; if they do, it must be presented in the first negative speech. A counter-plan is a significantly different way of carrying out the resolution. If the negative does this, the debate becomes an argument about which is the better plan.

12) Props (e.g. drawings, models) may not be used.

13) Courtesy must be shown to all other debaters at all times.

14) During questioning, the questioner should ask questions rather than make speeches. They may not insist on a yes or no answer and must allow the debater being questioned sufficient time to explain their answer. They may not ask any questions of a personal nature.

15) The debater being questioned must answer any questions, regardless of apparent relevance, as long as the questions are not of a personal nature. They may request that the question be clarified but should not use this as a delaying tactic. Stalling will be penalized. Answers should not be longer than a sentence or two— normally they will be shorter than this. They may try to question the questioner but if the questioner does not fall for this, the person being questioned should not try it again.

16) If time runs out after a question has been entirely or substantially asked, the debater being questioned has the option of answering it.

17) In impromptu debates no coaching or research, including books, magazines, internet or computer research, is allowed during the preparation time.