Author Guidelines

Types of Submissions: 

The Journal of Law and Social Studies (JLSS) warmly welcomes a diverse range of scholarly contributions, which encompass original research papers, thoughtful book reviews, comprehensive literature reviews, and innovative methodologies. These contributions serve to enlighten the evolving landscapes within the domains of legal studies and the social sciences. 

General Recommendations: 

  1. Language Clarity: All submissions to JLSS should be composed in clear, precise, and proficient English, showcasing a high level of linguistic competence. Authors are encouraged to carefully review their manuscripts to rectify any grammatical errors, typographical mistakes, or language issues. If a manuscript is authored in a language other than English, we strongly recommend that authors seek the services of a professional language reviewer to ensure that the narrative adheres to high standards of grammar and style. Additionally, the Advance Legal Research Foundation (ALRF) offers a paid proofreading and language refinement service, providing a valuable resource for authors seeking linguistic excellence through a third-party online service.
  2. Formatting Excellence: Manuscripts should be formatted in “A4” dimensions. Maintain a generous margin of two inches (2′) on all sides of the document.  
    Utilize the “Times New Roman” font.  Implement single line spacing at 1.0, with a font size of 12 in Times New Roman.  Use a consistent paragraph spacing of 12 points.  Headings should follow the Times New Roman font at size 12 and be bold for emphasis. 

Manuscripts are ideally expected to range between 4,000 to 6,000 words, ensuring a well-balanced exploration of the subject matter. 

The abstract for the work should not exceed 250 words, and the use of italics is preferred. 

The title page should remain simple, featuring only the manuscript’s title, accompanied by comprehensive author details, including names, affiliations, and email addresses, with a clear designation for the corresponding author. 

These guidelines are designed to help authors ensure that their submissions reflect a commitment to scholarly excellence and clarity, enabling a successful journey through JLSS’s academic review process. 

References: 

All references must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the APA 6th Manual, which serves as a comprehensive reference for the proper citation of sources. 

Paper Submission: 

Authors should submit their papers through the online journal system, accessible via the “Submit Your Paper” portal. 

Title Page: 

The title page is a gateway to the manuscript’s content and should exhibit clarity, specificity, relevance, and informativeness. Avoid the use of abbreviations in the title to ensure it provides an unambiguous introduction to the manuscript. Clearly state the names of the authors and their affiliations. Each author should provide a complete address, including their country of origin and reliable email addresses. It is essential for authors to unequivocally designate the corresponding author, as this plays a crucial role in the peer review process and eventual publication. 

Abstract: 

The abstract, comprising a concise summary of no more than 250 words, serves as a window into the research journey. It should provide insight into the research’s purpose, gaps in existing literature, the data sources used, the chosen methodological framework, research findings, overarching conclusions, and the diverse practical and theoretical implications—all seamlessly woven into a coherent narrative. 

Introduction: 

Each manuscript embarks on its intellectual journey with an introduction that serves as the entry point to understanding. This initial exposition should outline the broader context, offering a panoramic view of the research. The introduction should then narrow its focus to delineate research objectives, uncover the driving force behind the chosen topic, emphasize its broader significance and relevance, and outline proposed tasks. Special attention should be given to highlighting the pioneering aspects of the research. If abbreviations are used, they should be clarified when first introduced in the text. 

Literature Review: 

The literature review, a demonstration of academic acumen, forms the core of intellectual engagement. This section should critically assess and evaluate the body of scholarly literature related to the research problem. It should provide a contextual backdrop, explore recent developments in the field, make comparisons and contrasts, and identify gaps in the existing literature. By sifting through influential works, it should establish a strong connection between the research and relevant theoretical frameworks. 

Methodological Rigor: 

The methodology section should outline the blueprint underpinning the research endeavour. It should provide a detailed explanation of the population being studied, describe the sampling framework, instrumentation used, data collection processes, formulation of hypotheses, equations employed, and the rationale for selecting specific statistical tools. This section should reflect methodological expertise. 

Data Interpretation: 

This segment should honour the significance of data, uncovering its depth through insightful interpretation. The application of higher-order thinking skills should be evident in the construction of innovative arguments based on the relationships between variables. It should be a masterclass in establishing connections within and among variables, leading to hypotheses that can be confirmed or refuted. Additionally, it should involve comparisons with existing literature. 

Discussion and Insight: 

This section, which can be organized into relevant subsections, stands as the central hub of intellectual discourse. It plays a pivotal role in determining the fate of hypotheses, providing insights into whether they are confirmed or refuted. Furthermore, this section welcomes alternative explanations and leads to a grand finale with concluding remarks. These conclusions contribute to the advancement of theory and methodology, offer practical implications, suggest recommendations, identify avenues for future research, and candidly acknowledge limitations. 

Acknowledgement of Scholarly Contributions: 

Authors should thoughtfully recognize and express gratitude to those who have significantly contributed to their academic journey. Financial resources and funding sources that have supported research projects should be transparently disclosed in this section, underlining the authors’ commitment to scholarly integrity and transparency. 

Authors are encouraged to diligently adhere to these principles, reinforcing their submissions with an unwavering dedication to intellectual rigour and excellence. This commitment ensures a smooth and successful journey for their scholarly endeavours within the realm of JLSS.