Research Misconduct & Whistleblower Policy

Research Misconduct Policy
The Journal of Law, Justice and Human Rights, published by UOL Publisher, adheres to rigorous ethical standards and employs in-depth research practices. To protect and uphold the noble reputation of scholarly work, the Journal ensures that all forms of academic fraud are monitored and managed appropriately. 

As per the journal's policies, the following are considered under academic misconduct:

  • Educational data or research results falsification, fabrication, or manipulation
  • Plagiarism of text or not giving due credit
  • Self-plagiarism or redundant express publication
  • Peer review process manipulation, e.g., submission of reviewer identities that do not reflect reality
  • Non-disclosed biased interests, whether financially or otherwise.

Handling Allegations of Misconduct

  • The Editor-in-Chief evaluates all claims and processes them according to COPE protocols.
  • Reviews are carried out privately, without bias, and in detail.
  • Authors are expected to respond clearly and reasonably to any allegations made against them.

In cases where misconduct is proven, the UOL Publisher may implement one or more of the following actions:

  • Implement a Correction Notice, Retraction, or an Expression of Concern
  • Inform the respective Author’s Institution or Funding Body
  • Bar the relevant parties from participating as authors or editors in future submissions.

Whistleblower Policy

UOL Publisher actively invites editors, reviewers, authors, and readers to report any suspected misconduct to the Publisher’s office. Whistleblowers may report matters relating to:

  • Plagiarism or dual publication
  • Manufacture or tampering of information
  • Unethical contributions or ghostwriting
  • Concealed interests not disclosed
  • Violation of peer review confidentiality.

Protection and Confidentiality

  • All reports are treated as strictly confidential.
  • The identity of whistleblowers is protected and disclosed only when legally required.
  • Retaliation against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited.

Investigation Process

  • As recommended by COPE, the Editor-in-Chief conducts the first screening of report submissions.
  • Where necessary, the editorial board, external experts, or the relevant institution(s) may be involved in the investigation.
  • In all inquiries, the journal is committed to unbiased processes, complete openness, and responsibility.

Policy Review
This policy is regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with evolving best practices and ethical standards in scholarly publishing.

Contact
To report a concern, please get in touch with the editorial office at: research.journals@oric.uol.edu.pk