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That we should ban all forms of gambling. That we should ban smoking. That we should ban offensive music. That we should ban violent video games. That we should ban animal testing. That we should ban academic streaming in schools. That we should ban all religious symbols from schools. That we should ban all examinations in schools. That we should ban hunting for sport. That we should ban the sale of fur. That we should ban live animal exports. That we should ban cosmetic surgery. That we should ban solariums. That we should ban internet gambling. That we should ban beauty pageants. That we should ban all cars from the Melbourne CBD. Also note the INVERSE: That we should legalise (something that is already banned) That we should legalise all performance enhancing drugs in sport. That voluntary euthanasia should be legalised. That all drugs should be legalised. Etc 2
Ban = prohibited by law. It becomes illegal to perform the action. Someone must be punished for doing this thing. The government must be involved. There needs to be a means of enforcement. 3
What do you punish? Who do you punish? How do you punish? Fines? Jail? Community service? Something else? That we should ban smoking. That we should ban animal testing. That we should ban online gambling. 4
Pretty much essential for affirmative. Negative can attack model if it is: Punishments are not likely to be enforceable (practicality) Are too lenient to have an impact on the behaviour/no deterrence (will a small fine really change anything?) Are too severe and will have unintended consequences (will you end up imprisoning 10% of your population?) Negative can have a counter-model or argue the status quo. If you want increased regulation, etc., then you need to include this in a model. 5
Is it better to regulate? Banning pushes things underground. If something is banned, the government can punish and send a strong message of deterrence but loses the ability to regulate. Regulation allows the government to monitor a situation, assist people and prevent the worst excesses. It makes it easier to provide help to those negatively effected and people are more likely to seek help if needed because they don t risk criminal punishment. This can be a strong argument for the negative team if the ban is unlikely to completely stop the prohibited activity/product/etc. 6
Does a ban risk creating a black market? A black market is an underground economy where goods or services are traded illegally. This means that it becomes difficult for the government to monitor. No taxation can be collected from any goods or services. Causes criminal activity if it can t be stopped, may fund other organised crime, etc. A legal alternative may be more desirable you need to explain why! 7
By not banning, does the government appear to be endorsing or supporting the practice? Banning sends a clear message that a certain practice in not acceptable. Allowing something, even with limits/regulation, makes it more difficult for the government to deter its use or the use of similar things. If it is legal, it must be alright! 8
Individual Rights: does the government have the right to intrude into our personal lives? Consider: Right to Privacy Right to Life Right to Free Speech You need to explain WHAT the right is, HOW it applies and WHY it is important. Rights are not absolute can be rebutted if there is a more important social concern. Freedom means the freedom to make both the right and the wrong choices. If only the individual is effected, then it is not appropriate for the government to intrude in a free society. 9
Social Harm: does the action have a broader effect beyond the individual? How is society affected more broadly? Consider: Medical costs (these are born by the community) Impacts on other stakeholders: family, neighbours, others in the community, social services, etc. We respect the rights of the individual, but not when they infringe on the rights of others, or have a clear, negative effect on the community. 10
Smoking Alcohol Gambling Recreational drugs Performance-enhancing drugs What COMMON arguments exist for these topics? What AFFIRMATIVE arguments exist? What NEGATIVE arguments exist? 11