Debating Society
Middle Temple has the most consistently successful debating societies out of the four Inns of Court. The Debating Society offers a number of different activities. It is open to all who wish to learn how to debate and those who enjoy debating competitively. Middle Temple debating routinely competes at major national and international debating competitions. It runs various competitive events: the Herbert Monroe Memorial Cup for fresher debaters, the Lord Ackner InterVarsity Memorial and even hosts public debates. Highlights include: | |
Monroe Cup | |
The Monroe Cup is our internal debating competition for newcomers. On the first weekend of October each year, three preliminary rounds are held. After these three rounds the best four teams proceed to debate at the grand final. This event is normally hosted in Middle Temple Hall after a dining session in the second term. | |
| Lord Ackner IV |  |
| The Lord Ackner Memorial is our intervarsity “IV” competition which takes place in February/March each year. Teams from all over the country and international teams compete for the prestigious Lord Ackner Memorial Shield. Middle Temple’s strong judging pool, original motions, excellent dinner and abundant supply of complimentary wine help to ensure that this competition is both challenging and entertaining. Bristol’s Ed McRandel and Toby Ely won last year’s event. | |
World and European debating championships | |
Middle Temple has an excellent track record at the World Debating Championships having broken a team every year, winning the championships in 2004. Two teams comprising the best and most successful Middle Temple debaters are sent to both championships. This year the World Championship was held in Thailand and the two teams representing Middle Temple included: Frederick Cowell and Ali Dewji Both Worlds’ teams took part in a public debate in Middle Temple Hall after dining on 6th February 2008. Applications for the European Championship are now closed for 2008. | |
| External Competitions Middle Temple regularly sends teams around the country to regional debating competitions. Everyone who comes along to one of these training sessions is encouraged to apply for the competitions. They are an excellent way to develop public speaking and advocacy skills, meet new people and have a lot of fun in the process. Rigorous training is given to every team that participates in these competitions. Middle Temple’s encouragement and support have delivered an exceptional success rate at intervarsity debating tournaments. Further Information |
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