Affirmative Formats Traditional Needs Case Comparative Advantage Case Alternative Justification Case Criteria Case Net Benefits Case Advantages/Disadvantages of Case Structures

TRADITIONAL NEEDS CASE: Focuses primarily on finding solutions to a current problem. The affirmative 1) identifies a need (significant harm), 2) locates the source of the problem (inherency), 3) suggests a solution (plank provisions), 4) proves how the solution will solve the problem (solvency), and 5) establishes the desirability of the plan (advantages). Theoretically, the affirmative must win each issue in order to gain an affirmative ballot, while the negative must only win one issue to dominate the round.

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COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE CASE: Focuses primarily on ways a new policy may be superior to the present system. The affirmative 1) presents the plan (plank provisions), 2) demonstrates how implementing the plan will produce advantages (advantages), 3) demonstrates that the advantages are important (significance), and 4) demonstrates that the advantages cannot be achieved by minor changes in the current system (inherency). Theoretically, if only one advantage outweighs any negative disadvantages the affirmative will win the round.

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ALTERNATIVE JUSTIFICATION CASE: Focuses primarily on adoption of the resolution. The affirmative will present two or more parallel plans each with its own advantages. The affirmative cautions the judge to realize that if they successfully defend any one of its plans it has demonstrated that the resolution should be adopted.

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CRITERIA CASE: Focuses on demonstrating that the affirmative proposal can do a better job of meeting specified goals than the present system. The affirmative establishes a set of goals being sought, establishes criteria (grading standards) designed to achieve these goals, and then demonstrates how their plan fulfills these goals. After the initial goals and criteria, the affirmative case will assume the form of the traditional needs or comparative advantage case.

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NET BENEFITS CASE: Focuses on comparing the cost of the affirmative's plan with the net benefits that would result. If the affirmative can demonstrate that its policy system yields greater net benefits than the present system than the affirmative should carry the ballot. The affirmative would work on minimizing costs and maximizing benefits.

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SUMMARY - ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES CASE STRUCTURES:

• Traditional Needs Case - Basic format for beginning debaters - pure stock issues - wins 7 out of 10 rounds.
• Comparative Advantages Case - Lessens the burden of proving all stock issues - wins 8 of 10
• Alternative Justification Case - Overwhelms Negative - may confuse judges.
• Criteria Case - Combines benefits of the lesser three - overcomes DA of A.J.C.
• Net Benefits Case - Excessivelly complex in view of time limits.

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