WOMEN AND CRIMINAL LAW

SEMESTER IX [Criminal Law (Hons.)]

DEBATE

Maximum Marks 10

INSTRUCTIONS TO BE FOLLOWED

1. Each team will get 9 minutes (3 minutes each speaker), after which the respective teams
will get 6 minutes (2 minutes each speaker) to refute.
(the maximum time for a debate will be 30 minutes).

2. The team in favour of the resolution will start first followed by the team against the
same.

3. Debaters should always conduct themselves with dignity and be courteous towards other
debaters. They must not disrupt an opponent's speech by any interruptions or
distractions (in any manner whatsoever).

4. Debaters must not read their speeches, though they may make reasonable reference to
notes or read quotations.

5. Debaters should not unnecessarily repeat arguments or evidence.

6. Assertions of fact by debaters must be accurate and debaters must be prepared to cite
specific authority for all such assertions immediately upon being challenged to do so.

7. A moderator shall preside over every debate, he/she will introduce the topic, he will
have to keep time. He will have to indicate to debaters during their addresses how much
speaking time they have remaining. When a debater has exhausted his or her speaking
time, the moderator shall require the debater to terminate his or her speech. His or her
role is to maintain order and enforce the rules. He will not take active part in the debate.
Decisions of moderators are final and cannot be appealed; debaters shall accept such
rulings without question.

8. The moderator and the debaters are seated at the front of the class, the team in favor of
the resolution to the right of the moderator and the team in opposition to the resolution
to the left of the moderator.

9. Markings criteria for the debate

1. Research.
2. Clarity of concepts.
3. Structure of arguments.
4. Relevancy of the argument.
5. Strength of logic.
6. Ingenuity.
7. Presentation.
8. Body language.
 Debate topics

1. Ambit of Marital Rape should be expanded.

2. Women should have complete autonomy over their abortions.
3. The lenient approach of criminal law (statutory/ by practice) towards women convicts
should continue.
4. Participating wife in adulterous relatioship should be charged with adultery.

Teams

In favour Against

Topic 1

Topic 2

Topic 3

Topic 4