Judges wanted for Law Society debating tournament

The Law Society of Scotland is calling for judges for the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament 2015/16.

Over 100 schools from all over Scotland will be taking part in what is now Scotland's largest annual school debating competition and a panel of three judges is required for each debating session.

Laura Gulliver, Careers and Outreach Manager at the Law Society said "We get great support from our judges each year, particularly during the opening rounds when up to 128 teams from schools right across Scotland, from Stornoway to Stirling, take part.

"No experience of judging is necessary, though an interest and experience in debating is always welcome. We'd encourage our members or others who have been involved in debating before to get in touch if they are interested in becoming a judge in this year's tournament - we are particularly looking for judges in rural areas for the early rounds of the competition.

“Debating is great fun as well as helping pupils learn how to break down complex information, build convincing arguments and gain more confidence. The June final in the Scottish Parliament’s debating chamber was an exciting finish to the last tournament, with superb performances from some very talented young people as they debated whether media coverage of terrorist attacks should be restricted.”

The opening rounds for all 128 teams will take place on 19, 25 November and 3 December. Further information about judging in the tournament can be found at www.lawscot.org.uk/debating or contact debate@lawscot.org.uk.

The 2013/14 winners and runners up are featured in a Law Society video about the tournament which is available to watch online.

ENDS                                                                          15 October 2015

Notes to editors:

Established in 1999, Scotland’s largest annual schools debating tournament is open to pupils in all Scottish secondary schools. Organised and run by the Law Society of Scotland, the tournament is dedicated to the memory of the former First Minister Donald Dewar MSP, who died in 2000.

Footage of the 2014/2015 tournament final is available from the Scottish Parliament https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRXURZRvHpc

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Journalists should contact Sarah Sutton sarahsutton@lawscot.org.uk 0131 476 8170.