Debate motion Courtroom
The tooth fairy underpaid for the last tooth
A tooth under the pillow, a coin in the morning, and a suspicion that it was not enough. In this fictional case, the prosecution accuses the tooth fairy of underpaying. The defence argues the payment was fair, generous, or simply a gift. The debate turns on value, expectations, and what a fair price for a tooth even means.
FOR Argue that the motion is right.
AGAINST Argue that the motion is wrong.
Arguments FOR
- Friends at school received much more for their teeth. Paying one child less for the same tooth is unfair and looks like underpayment.
- This was the last tooth, the end of a long service. A final tooth deserves a bonus, not the same small coin as all the others.
- Prices for sweets and toys keep rising. If the payment never changes, its real value shrinks, which is underpaying in disguise.
- The tooth was in perfect condition, carefully cleaned, and placed exactly where it should be. Quality work deserves proper payment.
Arguments AGAINST
- The tooth fairy's payment is a gift, not a wage. Nobody can be underpaid for something that was never a contract.
- Different families have different traditions. Comparing with friends ignores that every visit is unique, not a market price.
- A tooth has no real use to anyone except its owner. Paying anything at all is already generous.
- The last tooth is not more valuable than the first. Expecting a bonus is wishful thinking, not proof of unfairness.
Sample openers
FORMembers of the jury, my client gave years of loyal chewing. The last tooth deserved more than spare change.
AGAINSTMy client flies through the night giving money for used teeth. Calling that underpaying is the height of ingratitude.
How a match plays
- Two sides. One debater argues FOR the motion and the other AGAINST, taking turns at two podiums: three rounds, or five in a full match.
- Eleven AI jurors. Each cares about something different, and some start out leaning one way. They switch sides as your arguments land. Win eight of them, or the final verdict.
- Your voice. When your turn starts, argue out loud, and the jury reacts to what you actually said. No mic? Type instead.
- Vera or a friend. Vera, our AI debater, takes the other side any time. Or send a friend a private code and argue it out live.
Questions
What is the strongest rebuttal to the comparison argument?
The defence can argue that the tooth fairy is not a shop with fixed prices. Comparing with friends is like comparing birthday presents. The prosecution can reply that fairness means similar teeth deserve similar rewards.
How do I win the jury on this motion?
Keep the magic fun and the logic serious. Talk about fairness, gifts, and expectations clearly. Jurors reward humour and direct rebuttals, and they like speakers who never mention specific sums they cannot justify. Keep the tooth fairy's mystery intact for younger audiences.
Who is this motion for?
It is great for families and young students, but also fun for older players thinking about wages, inflation, and fairness. Keep it gentle and imaginative so nobody's beliefs are spoiled.