Plagarism Policy

Plagiarism Policy

The Journal of Social Policy and Practice (JSPP) upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and originality. All submitted manuscripts must represent independent scholarly work and must properly acknowledge the contributions of others.

JSPP enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism. Any form of academic misconduct compromises the integrity of the scholarly record and will be addressed rigorously.

Definition and Scope

Plagiarism refers to the use of another individual’s intellectual work without appropriate acknowledgment. It may occur in several forms, including:

  • Direct copying of text without proper citation
  • Inadequate paraphrasing or close imitation of existing work
  • Self-plagiarism or reuse of previously published material without disclosure
  • Unattributed use of data, figures, or conceptual frameworks

Similarity Screening

All submissions are screened using iThenticate (Crossref Similarity Check). Similarity reports are reviewed in conjunction with editorial judgment to distinguish between acceptable overlap and potential misconduct.

Standard overlaps, such as references, technical terminology, or methodological descriptions, may be considered acceptable when properly cited and contextually appropriate.

Editorial Assessment Process

  • Initial Screening: Manuscripts are evaluated for similarity prior to peer review.
  • Content Assessment: Editors analyze the nature, extent, and context of overlapping content.
  • Author Revision: Authors may be asked to revise the manuscript to improve attribution and originality.
  • Ethical Review: Serious cases are handled in accordance with established ethical guidelines (e.g., COPE).

Author Responsibilities

Authors are responsible for ensuring that their work is original and properly referenced. Submission to JSPP indicates full compliance with ethical publishing standards.

  • Accurate and complete citation of all sources
  • Disclosure of any prior or overlapping publications
  • Accountability among all co-authors
  • Transparency in the use of AI-assisted tools, where applicable

Consequences of Plagiarism

Where plagiarism or unethical overlap is identified, JSPP may take appropriate action depending on the severity of the case, including:

  • Immediate rejection of the manuscript
  • Requests for revision and proper attribution
  • Notification to affiliated institutions or funding bodies
  • Retraction of published articles where necessary

JSPP is committed to preserving the integrity of academic publishing. By enforcing strict plagiarism policies, the journal ensures that all published research remains credible, ethical, and trustworthy.