Know Your Argument
What are the 3 basic parts of an argument?
Claim, Reason, Evidence
What is a “claim” in an argument?
The main point or opinion you’re arguing for
What is a rebuttal?
A response that counters or disproves an opposing argument.
What does “Objection: leading the witness” mean?
The attorney is suggesting the answer in the question.
What’s the problem with: “Ali said it, so it must be true.”
It’s an appeal to authority — assuming it’s true because someone said it.
True or False: An argument can be just a personal opinion.
False – it needs support
Fill in the blank: A good reason should always be backed by __________.
Evidence
Rebut this: “Teens don’t deserve freedom because they’re irresponsible.”
Many teens act responsibly and need freedom to learn independence.
What does “Objection: relevance” mean?
The question or statement does not relate to the case.
What’s wrong with: “Ban video games because I don’t like them.”
It’s based on personal opinion, not reasoning or evidence.
Name one purpose of making an argument in a courtroom
To persuade a judge/jury
Create a full CRE for: Should cell phones be banned in class?
Claim: Cell phones should be banned in class. Reason: They distract students. Evidence: A 2022 Stanford study showed that phone use during lessons lowered test scores by 20%.
Why should you understand the opposing argument?
So you can counter it effectively.
What is hearsay?
A statement made outside of court offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted.
What’s missing in: “Claim: We should vote. Reason: It’s important.”
Evidence
Turn this opinion into a formal claim: “I don’t like school uniforms.”
e.g., School uniforms should not be mandatory in high schools.
Which is stronger evidence: “I saw it on Instagram” or “A Harvard Law study in 2020 found…”? Why?
“A Harvard Law study” is stronger because it is reliable and comes from a credible source.
Rebut this: “Homework should be banned because it’s boring.”
Homework improves understanding and helps students perform better on exams.
What does “badgering the witness” mean?
Repeatedly asking aggressive or argumentative questions.
Fix this CRE: “Claim: School is bad. Reason: I get tired. Evidence: I just do.”
Claim: School starts too early. Reason: It causes fatigue. Evidence: The CDC says teens need 8–10 hours of sleep.
Explain the difference between an argument and an explanation.
An argument tries to persuade, an explanation tries to clarify.
What is wrong with this CRE? “Claim: Social media is bad. Reason: It’s annoying. Evidence: Everyone says so.”
The reason is vague, and the evidence is not factual or specific.
How can you use witness testimony as a rebuttal tool?
By showing the witness contradicts the opposing side’s story.
Defend your question after “Objection: hearsay!”
“Your Honor, the statement qualifies as an exception — it was an excited utterance.”
What fallacy is this: “If we allow phones in class, no one will learn and schools will shut down.
Slippery slope