Dewar Debate judges wanted for new session's tournament

People with an interest in debating are being invited by the Law Society of Scotland to sign up as judges for the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament 2017-18.

Now in its 19th year, the competition is the largest schools debating tournament in Scotland. More than 120 teams registered to compete in last year’s competition, and every high school in Scotland is currently receiving a written invitation to enter a team or teams for this session.

The tournament takes place over four rounds with a panel of three judges required for each debating session, meaning that 96 judges are needed in the first round.

Law students, trainees, practising and retired solicitors, as well as people who just love debating, are welcome to apply.

Heather McKendrick, head of careers and outreach at the Society, commented: "Our judges are an absolutely fundamental part of the tournament, particularly in the opening rounds when we will have over 100 teams taking part in sessions at venues across Scotland.

"No experience of judging is necessary, though an interest and experience in debating is always welcome and we are particularly keen to hear from people who are available to judge early rounds in rural areas of the competition."

Established in 1999 and dedicated to the memory of the former First Minister Donald Dewar MSP, the debate has a long term supporter in educational publisher Hodder Gibson. This year, the Law Society is pleased to welcome a second sponsor, law firm TC Young.

The opening rounds will take place in November and December. Click here for further information about judging.