Publication Ethics
This statement describes the ethical standards and responsibilities of all parties involved in the publication process of Semarang Law Review (SLR), including authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher. This policy is formulated in accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Core Practices and Best Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors.
ETHICAL OVERSIGHT
The publication of scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals is essential to the development of a credible and respected body of academic knowledge. Peer review supports the integrity of the scholarly record and promotes adherence to the scientific and educational method. All parties involved in the publication process—authors, editors, reviewers, the publisher, and the academic community—are therefore expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Semarang Law Review, published by the Faculty of Law, Universitas Semarang, assumes full responsibility for ethical oversight throughout all stages of the publication process. The journal ensures that editorial decisions are independent and free from the influence of advertising, commercial interests, or reprint revenues. The Editorial Board facilitates ethical communication and cooperation with other journals or publishers when necessary.
EDITORIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Editorial Independence and Publication Decisions
Editors are responsible for deciding which manuscripts submitted to SLR are accepted for publication. Decisions are based on the scholarly merit, originality, validity, and relevance of the manuscript to the journal’s scope and readership. Editors operate in accordance with the journal’s editorial policies and applicable legal requirements, including those related to defamation, copyright infringement, and plagiarism. Editorial decisions may involve consultation with associate editors or reviewers.
Fair and Impartial Evaluation
Editors evaluate manuscripts solely on their intellectual content, without discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, ethnic origin, nationality, or political ideology of the authors.
Confidentiality
Editors and editorial staff maintain the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and related materials. Information regarding a manuscript is disclosed only to those directly involved in the editorial and peer-review process, as appropriate.
Conflicts of Interest
Editors must not use unpublished information disclosed in a submitted manuscript for their own research without the explicit written consent of the author. Any potential conflicts of interest must be declared and managed in a transparent manner.
AUTHOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting Standards and Research Integrity
Authors must present an accurate, honest, and transparent account of the research conducted, including an objective discussion of its significance. Manuscripts must contain sufficient detail and references to allow replication where applicable. Fabrication, falsification, or misrepresentation of data constitutes unethical behavior in the publishing process.
Data Availability and Retention
Authors may be requested to provide raw data for editorial or peer review purposes. They should be prepared to make the data publicly available where appropriate, in accordance with recognized data-sharing principles. Authors should retain research data for a reasonable period following publication.
Originality and Plagiarism
Authors must ensure that manuscripts submitted to SLR are original. Any use of others’ work or words must be appropriately cited or quoted. Plagiarism, including self-plagiarism, is unacceptable and will be handled in accordance with COPE procedures.
Redundant or Concurrent Publication
Authors must not submit manuscripts that describe substantially the same research to more than one journal simultaneously. Redundant or duplicate publication is considered an unethical publishing practice.
Acknowledgment of Sources
Authors must appropriately acknowledge all sources that have contributed to the reported work. Proper citation of relevant literature is required.
Authorship and Contributorship
Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the study. All contributors who meet authorship criteria must be listed, and those who do not meet the requirements should be acknowledged appropriately. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all listed authors approve the final manuscript and agree to its submission.
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest
Authors must disclose any financial, institutional, or personal relationships that could influence the interpretation of their findings. All sources of research funding must be clearly stated.
Corrections and Retractions
Authors have an obligation to promptly notify the editor if a significant error or inaccuracy is identified in a published article and to cooperate fully in the issuance of a correction, retraction, or expression of concern, as appropriate.
REVIEWER RESPONSIBILITIES
Contribution to Editorial Decisions
Peer reviewers assist editors in making informed editorial decisions and contribute to the improvement of manuscripts through constructive feedback.
Timeliness
Reviewers who feel unqualified to assess a manuscript or unable to complete a review within the agreed-upon timeframe should promptly inform the editor and decline the review.
Confidentiality
Manuscripts under review must be treated as confidential documents. Reviewers must not share or discuss manuscripts with others unless authorized by the editor.
Objectivity and Constructive Feedback
Reviews should be conducted objectively, respectfully, and professionally. Personal criticism of authors is inappropriate. Reviewers should provide clear, evidence-based assessments.
Recognition of Sources
Reviewers should identify relevant published works not cited by the authors and alert the editor to any substantial similarity or overlap between the manuscript and other published works.
Conflicts of Interest
Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and refrain from reviewing manuscripts where such conflicts exist. Information obtained through peer review must not be used for personal or professional advantage.
