Definition
In every debate, you should have a case. The case is the story that you or your team tell about the debate. In other words, you have your own story of why you have won the debate. Technically, a case is a policy, course of action, or state of affairs that your team supports and the reasons for which you support it.
Example:
In the debate about progressive taxation your case might look like this.
“In this debate about the implementation of progressive taxation system we [depends on the number of debaters in one team, AEGEEDebate] will show you how such system of taxation brings more opportunities to the poor and that the success in the present society is not one man’s own.”
Visualization:
Why is case important for the debate?
As stated above, the case is a course of action of your team in the debate. Therefore, it gives abroad overview of your whole speech. For the audience and adjudicators as well, it is thus important to know your general line of argumentation. They can more easily follow you in the debate afterwards.
Moreover, it is important for the debaters as well because the debate is an abstract playground of cases. If every team in the debate starts with the presentation of their cases and how they fit together, then the structure of the debate is very clear and constructive. Additionally, stating your case at the beginning of your speech is beneficial for the consistency of your speech. You will stress your attention to the points already presented in your case and will not try to expand new points.
For further reading about the case in the debate we recommend this book.
Harvey-Smith, Neill (2011): The Practical Guide to Debating. International Debate Education Association: New York. pp 26-29.