Future of zoos decides first round of Law Society debating tournament

26 Nov 2024

The first round of a national school debating tournament has kicked off, with students across Scotland debating whether zoos should remain open.

In the 25th year of the Law Society of Scotland’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament, the first round debates saw the motion “This house would shut down all zoos” hotly contested by 64 secondary school teams.

Pupils in 33 teams will now go through to the second stage of the debate after impressing tournament judges with their critical arguments for and against the motion.

The proposers cited a better quality of life for the animals due to increased care and resources whereas those opposing the motion suggested zoo animals live in a unnatural habitat and should not be caged.

The Law Society of Scotland’s careers and outreach officer, Megan McDonald, said: “Congratulations to all of the pupils who competed in the first round. The judges were thoroughly impressed with the standard of debating, making it difficult to select those moving through to the next stage.

“Starting the tournament with two first rounds shows there’s a strong appetite for debating in schools across Scotland. I am delighted to see it going from strength to strength.

“The tournament is a fantastic opportunity for schools across the country to get first-hand experience in debating and an early insight into a career in law. We’re always amazed by the arguments pupils come up with and how much they improve through each stage.”

The second round will take place in early January, with 16 teams making it through to the semi-final before four teams compete in the grand final in June.

I COACHED HIGH SCHOOL SCHOOL DEBATE