Publication Ethics

Journal of Transformative Islamic Law

Publication Ethics

 

Ethical standards governing authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher throughout the scholarly publication process

The Journal of Transformative Islamic Law (JTIL) is a peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly journal dedicated to advancing rigorous and responsible research in Islamic law and related legal studies. The journal is committed to maintaining integrity, transparency, fairness, accountability, and academic independence in every stage of publication.

These ethical standards apply to all parties involved in the publication process, including authors, editors, peer reviewers, and the publisher. JTIL follows the principles and guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and other recognized standards of responsible scholarly publishing.

Principle
Academic Integrity
Principle
Editorial Independence
Principle
Confidentiality
Principle
Transparency
Plagiarism and Research Misconduct

Authors must properly acknowledge the words, ideas, arguments, data, images, tables, and findings of others. JTIL screens submitted manuscripts using appropriate similarity-detection software, such as iThenticate or Turnitin. The similarity report is interpreted contextually, and the journal generally expects a similarity index not exceeding 20 percent. Manuscripts containing plagiarism, fabricated or falsified data, duplicate publication, citation manipulation, or other forms of academic misconduct may be rejected. When misconduct is discovered after publication, the journal may issue a correction, expression of concern, or retraction.

Duties of Editors
Fair, independent, confidential, and accountable editorial management
Publication Decisions Editors are responsible for deciding which manuscripts are suitable for publication. Decisions must be based on scholarly merit, originality, methodological quality, relevance to the journal, reviewer reports, and compliance with applicable legal and ethical standards.
Fair Play Manuscripts must be evaluated without discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, nationality, citizenship, institutional affiliation, political belief, or other irrelevant personal considerations.
Confidentiality Editors and editorial staff must not disclose information about a submitted manuscript except to the corresponding author, assigned reviewers, potential reviewers, editorial advisers, and the publisher where appropriate.
Conflicts of Interest Editors must disclose and appropriately manage financial, institutional, personal, or academic conflicts of interest. Unpublished materials from submitted manuscripts must not be used for personal research without the author’s written consent.
Editorial Transparency Editors must preserve the accuracy and transparency of the scholarly record and should publish corrections, clarifications, retractions, or apologies whenever necessary.
Handling Misconduct Allegations of research or publication misconduct must be investigated promptly, impartially, and confidentially. Editors may seek clarification from authors, reviewers, institutions, or relevant authorities when necessary.
Duties of Reviewers
Objective, constructive, timely, and confidential peer review
Contribution to Editorial Decisions Peer review assists editors in making publication decisions and helps authors improve the quality, clarity, and scholarly contribution of their manuscripts.
Promptness Reviewers who lack the relevant expertise or cannot complete the review within the requested period should promptly inform the editor and decline the assignment.
Confidentiality Manuscripts received for review are confidential documents and must not be shared, discussed, copied, or used outside the review process without editorial authorization.
Objectivity Reviews must be conducted objectively and expressed clearly, respectfully, and constructively. Personal criticism of authors is inappropriate.
Acknowledgment of Sources Reviewers should identify relevant sources that have not been cited and alert editors to substantial similarity, overlap, ethical concerns, or suspected misconduct.
Conflicts of Interest Reviewers must disclose any financial, professional, personal, or institutional conflict of interest and decline the review when impartial evaluation cannot be assured.
Duties of Authors
Originality, accuracy, transparency, and accountability
Reporting Standards Authors must present an accurate and objective account of the research conducted. Data, legal materials, methods, and findings must be reported honestly and with sufficient detail to permit scholarly evaluation.
Data Access and Retention Authors should retain relevant research data and be prepared to provide supporting materials for editorial review when legally, ethically, and practically appropriate.
Originality and Proper Citation Authors must submit original work and appropriately cite or quote all ideas, words, data, and materials derived from other sources.
Multiple or Redundant Submission The same or substantially similar manuscript must not be submitted to or published by more than one journal at the same time.
Authorship Authorship must be limited to individuals who made a substantial contribution to the conception, design, execution, analysis, interpretation, or writing of the research. All co-authors must approve the final manuscript and agree to its submission.
Human Participants and Ethical Approval Research involving human participants, confidential information, or vulnerable groups must comply with applicable ethical standards, including informed consent, privacy protection, and institutional approval where required.
Conflicts of Interest and Funding Authors must disclose financial support, institutional assistance, and any personal, professional, or financial interest that could influence the research or its interpretation.
Permissions Authors are responsible for obtaining permission to reproduce copyrighted figures, tables, images, or substantial text passages and must provide evidence of permission when requested.
Errors in Published Work Authors who discover a significant error or inaccuracy in their published article must promptly notify the editor and cooperate in issuing a correction or retraction where appropriate.
Duties of the Publisher
Editorial Independence
The publisher supports the editorial independence of JTIL and does not permit commercial, institutional, political, or personal interests to interfere with editorial decisions.
Handling Unethical Publishing Behavior
In cases of alleged or proven misconduct, the publisher works with the editors to investigate the matter and take appropriate action, including correction, clarification, expression of concern, or retraction.
Access and Digital Preservation
The publisher is committed to the long-term availability, preservation, and accessibility of published scholarly content through the journal platform, institutional archiving, and appropriate preservation services.
Corrections, Retractions, and Appeals

JTIL is committed to preserving the integrity of the scholarly record. Corrections, retractions, expressions of concern, and editorial notices will be issued when necessary. Authors may submit a reasoned appeal against an editorial decision, but appeals do not guarantee reconsideration and must be supported by clear academic or procedural grounds.