Law Society of Scotland
This information reflects the Society's web site at the date you downloaded or printed it and you should check at www.lawscot.org.uk to see if it is still current.

The Society's debating tournament

Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament

The Society's debating tournament, the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament, is a tribute to an individual, a parliamentarian and a solicitor who contributed greatly to Scotland and Scottish public life.

The competition has been running for 13 years and is open to all secondary schools in Scotland. In certain circumstances, we'll also accept teams from recognised organisations - such as Scouts or Guides - so long as a responsible adult is acting as coach.

We are supported in this work by our sponsors Hodder Gibson Publishers.

Details of the 2011/2012 Tournament

Schools  - we are now at the semi final stages of the tournament. 16 schools will compete to make it to the Grand Final at the Scottish Parliament in June.

The tournament usually starts around November, with first rounds held throughout the country (competing teams have come from the Western Isles right down to the Borders). A maximum of 128 teams take part in the tournament. The first and second rounds take place locally, hosted by a school in the area, and within easy travelling distance. The first round is normally held end November/start December. The second round is usually held around the end of January/start of February.

Semi finals usually take place in March. These have a slightly different format. Unlike the earlier rounds, the motion is not given out in advance but when teams arrive at the competition venue. They then have an hour to prepare - although the motion and judging take into account that this is an impromptu debate. Teams that have reached this stage have had enough practice in earlier rounds to be well prepared for this slightly different format.

Our tournament guidelines provide further information on everything you need to know, including:

  • structure of the tournament and an individual heat
  • timekeeping issues
  • the roles of speakers
  • offering and taking 'points of information'
  • judging guidelines and marking standards
  • room layouts
  • guidance for hosts (including a tick box check sheet of what to organise)
  • guidance for chairpersons