The topic was on the elimination plea bargains. Columbia argued that plea bargains result in innocent defendants choosing to plea guilty out of fear of harsh sentences sought by prosecutors. Jackson and Moussignac were valiant opponents, however, and the 7 person panel gave the win to Rikers in a 4-3 vote.

Read the full coverage in the Wall Street Journal.

Columbia Debate team members Adrian Ivashkiv and Arnold Lee participated in a debate against Rikers Island inmates Kori Jackson, 22, and Jack Moussignac, 35.