Sure. The political debate format is a argumentative rhetorical form directly descended from the legal trial by way of the policy debate (aka: competitive academic debate), complete with presentation of evidence, rebuttals, cross examination and summaries.
Not hardly, A debate is parties explaining their point a view on a subject then the country decide what point and person they like the best.
In a court one person is fighting for their life about something that someone else is trying to prove guilty.
HUGE difference.
In a court of law you have a lawyer to represent you, In a debate you are trying to show your ideas are the best ones.
It isn’t a popularity test of the “RIGHT” ;) Ideas in the courts.