Publication Ethics

The Faculty of Law Journal, Rivers State University (RSUFLJ) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, responsible scholarship, and ethical publishing. The Journal expects authors, editors, reviewers, and all other contributors to uphold principles of honesty, transparency, originality, fairness, and respect for intellectual property.

Responsibilities of Authors

Authors must ensure that submitted manuscripts are original and accurately represent their research and scholarly contributions. Authors are responsible for:

  • Properly acknowledging and citing all sources used.
  • Ensuring that the manuscript has not been published elsewhere or submitted simultaneously to another journal.
  • Providing accurate information about authorship and contributions.
  • Disclosing any relevant conflicts of interest.
  • Obtaining permission where copyrighted material is reproduced.
  • Correcting significant errors discovered in their work after publication.

Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously or submitting substantially duplicate work is considered unethical publishing practice.

Authorship and Contributions

Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the conception, research, analysis, writing, or substantive revision of the manuscript. All listed authors should approve the final version of the manuscript and agree to its submission and publication. Any dispute concerning authorship should be resolved among the authors and, where necessary, through their relevant institution.

Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct

The Journal does not tolerate plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, manipulation of research, citation manipulation, or other forms of academic misconduct. Submitted manuscripts may be subjected to plagiarism or similarity screening. Where misconduct is suspected, the Editorial Board may investigate the matter and take appropriate action, including rejection, withdrawal, or retraction of an article where misconduct is established. The Journal's detailed requirements are set out in its Plagiarism Policy.

Peer Review Ethics

The Faculty of Law Journal operates a peer-review process designed to ensure the scholarly quality and integrity of published articles. Reviewers are expected to:

  • Evaluate manuscripts objectively and constructively.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of manuscripts under review.
  • Avoid using unpublished information for personal or professional advantage.
  • Disclose any potential conflict of interest.
  • Decline a review where they lack the necessary expertise or cannot provide an impartial assessment.
  • Complete reviews within the agreed timeframe where possible.

These principles are consistent with established guidance that reviewers should provide objective assessments, maintain confidentiality, and disclose competing interests. 

Intellectual Property and Copyright

Authors must ensure that manuscripts do not infringe the intellectual property or copyright rights of others. All quotations, legal authorities, scholarly arguments, data, images, and other materials obtained from external sources must be appropriately acknowledged and cited.

Ethical Conduct and Research Integrity

Authors are expected to conduct and report their research responsibly and in accordance with applicable ethical and professional standards. Where research involves personal information, confidential materials, interviews, or other matters requiring ethical consideration, authors are responsible for obtaining any necessary consent or approval and protecting the rights and privacy of research participants.