Plagiarism Policy

The Journal of Forensic Science and Research (JFSR) enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy against plagiarism in all forms. Upholding academic integrity is essential to the credibility of forensic science research, and any violation of this principle is treated as serious academic misconduct.

Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of presenting another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words as one’s own without proper acknowledgment. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Copying text, figures, or data without citation.
  • Paraphrasing extensively without crediting the original source.
  • Submitting previously published work (“self-plagiarism”) as new research.
  • Using translated work from another language without attribution.
  • Reusing parts of thesis/dissertation material without proper citation.

Screening Process

All submitted manuscripts are screened using advanced plagiarism detection tools (e.g., iThenticate, Turnitin) before peer review. A similarity index report is generated and reviewed by the editorial office.

Manuscripts with similarity above acceptable thresholds (generally ≤15–20% excluding references) are returned to authors for revision or rejected outright, depending on severity.

Types of Plagiarism

  • Direct Plagiarism: Copying verbatim text without citation.
  • Mosaic Plagiarism: Borrowing phrases from multiple sources without proper attribution.
  • Self-Plagiarism: Republishing one’s own previously published work without acknowledgment.
  • Image/Data Plagiarism: Using figures, graphs, or datasets without permission or citation.

Actions and Consequences

  • Minor Overlap: Authors may be asked to revise and resubmit.
  • Significant Overlap: Immediate rejection before peer review.
  • Post-Publication Discovery: Retraction of the article with a published notice of plagiarism.
  • Repeated Offenses: Ban on future submissions and notification to affiliated institutions.

Responsibilities of Authors

Authors must ensure the originality of their submissions by:

  • Citing all sources accurately and completely.
  • Quoting or paraphrasing appropriately.
  • Using plagiarism detection tools before submission.
  • Declaring any reuse of material (e.g., figures, thesis extracts).

Responsibilities of Editors and Reviewers

  • Editors verify similarity reports and investigate suspected cases.
  • Reviewers may report suspected plagiarism during peer review.
  • Editors follow COPE guidelines in handling allegations transparently.

COPE Guidelines and Best Practices

JFSR follows COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) flowcharts for addressing suspected plagiarism. This includes contacting authors, requesting clarifications, and issuing retractions where necessary. Corrective measures are taken to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

FAQs

Is self-plagiarism treated the same as plagiarism from others?

Yes, self-plagiarism is considered malpractice if prior work is submitted as new without acknowledgment.

Can similarity from references and common phrases affect the report?

No. Similarity from references, bibliographies, and common technical phrases is excluded from analysis.

What happens if plagiarism is detected after publication?

The article may be retracted and a retraction notice will be issued to preserve the integrity of the record.

Commitment to Academic Integrity

By enforcing this policy, JFSR ensures that published research reflects originality, credibility, and ethical standards. Authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to uphold these principles as a condition of participation in the journal’s scholarly community.