Characteristics of a Frameable Issue
An issue that is appropriate for public deliberation will be:
- An issue of broad concern within a community
- An issue on which choices must be made, but there are no clear or “right” answers
- An issue on which a wide range of people and groups must act in order for the community to effectively move forward
- An issue on which citizens have not had the opportunity to consider different courses of action and their long-term consequences
- An issue on which the decision making of officeholders and other leaders needs to be informed by public judgment, as well as by experts’ views
An issue that does not lend itself to public deliberation is:
- A problem that is highly technical and requires a technical solution
- A problem that needs only a yes or no answer
- A problem for which a specific solution has already been decided and the public’s role would only be as a “rubber stamp”
- A problem that requires an immediate response
- A problem that is relevant only to a narrow interest group
- A problem on which your group has a particular approach to advocate