Editorial Independence
IJLJ Policies · Editorial Standards
Editorial Independence
International Journal of Law and Justice (IJLJ)
The International Journal of Law and Justice (IJLJ) is committed to maintaining editorial independence, transparency, fairness, and integrity throughout the publication process. This policy is informed by relevant guidance and Core Practices of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), where applicable.
Editorial decisions should be based on the scholarly quality, relevance, originality, integrity, and ethical acceptability of the work. Such decisions should not be improperly influenced by commercial, personal, institutional, political, or financial interests.
Independence in Editorial Decision-Making
IJLJ recognizes that the journal, publisher, editors, or affiliated organizations may have interests that could create an actual or perceived conflict. Where an institutional or organizational interest could reasonably affect an editorial decision, IJLJ will seek to manage the situation in a manner that protects the independence and integrity of the editorial process.
Editorial decisions, including manuscript acceptance or rejection, are made independently of any Article Processing Charge (APC) and are not influenced by an author's ability or willingness to pay.
Editorial decisions should not be made primarily for:
Commercial or financial benefit
Personal relationships or interests
Institutional or political pressure
The legal or political sensitivity of a research topic, where the work otherwise meets the journal's scholarly and ethical standards
Other inappropriate considerations unrelated to the scholarly and ethical assessment of the work
Publisher's Role
Scholar Unity, as the publisher of IJLJ, supports the journal's editorial and operational functions but does not influence individual editorial decisions. Editorial judgment on the acceptance, rejection, or revision of manuscripts rests solely with the editors and editorial board.
Editors and Editorial Board Members
Editors and editorial board members must maintain independence and impartiality when handling manuscripts. An editor should disclose and, where appropriate, recuse themselves from handling a manuscript where a conflict could reasonably affect their editorial judgment.
Where the Editor-in-Chief submits a manuscript to IJLJ, that manuscript must be handled independently by another qualified editor or editorial board member. The Editor-in-Chief must not participate in the peer-review or editorial decision-making process for that manuscript.
Managing Conflicts
IJLJ seeks to protect confidential information while maintaining appropriate transparency in its editorial procedures. Where a conflict of interest may affect editorial judgment, IJLJ will take appropriate steps to protect the integrity and independence of the editorial process. Specific requirements concerning conflicts of interest are addressed in the Conflict of Interest Policy.
Reconsideration and Appeals
Concerns regarding editorial independence or potential conflicts affecting an editorial decision may be submitted for reconsideration with a clear explanation and any relevant supporting information. IJLJ may review the matter and, where appropriate, seek additional information or independent advice. Formal appeals are handled in accordance with the Complaints and Appeals Policy.
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains consistent with recognized standards of academic publishing practice.