In the realm of scientific research, upholding the highest ethical standards is paramount. The credibility and integrity of the scientific record depend on a robust code of conduct that all stakeholders, including authors, editors, reviewers, and publishers, must follow diligently. The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) underscores the significance of publication ethics by introducing Ethical Guidelines for Journals, mandating their adoption by all HEC-recognized/acHEC-recognized like the Journal of Law and Social Studies (JLSS). Additionally, HEC actively discourages unethical publishing practices, including predatory journals and fake journal websites. 

Within this framework of ethical principles, JLSS, as an HEC recognized/acHEC-recognized fully funded by HEC, requires unwavering adherence to the highest ethical standards by all participants in the publication process. Authors, editors, and reviewers of JLSS are dutybound to follow and enforce the following ethical guidelines: 

1. Ethical Guidelines for Authors: 

Reporting Standards: Authors bear the responsibility of ensuring that their research reports provide comprehensive details and references, facilitating reproducibility. Deliberately making fraudulent or knowingly inaccurate statements is considered unethical and is strictly prohibited. 

Originality and Plagiarism: Authors are obligated to submit entirely original work and attribute the works and words of others through proper citations. All forms of plagiarism, including self-plagiarism, aself-plagiarismnd will not be tolerated. Proper citation of direct quotations from previously published work or other sources is mandatory. Manuscripts exceeding a similarity index of 19% may be rejected or accepted at the editor’s discretion, in compliance with HEC policy. 

Declaration: Authors must explicitly declare that the submitted manuscript represents their original work and is not simultaneously under consideration for publication elsewhere. Manuscripts previously published in abstracted form or limited circulation are transparently disclosed. Coauthored manuscripts should be accompanied by a statement delineating the contributions of each author, with the corresponding author ensuring that all contributors endorse the order of authorship. 

Multiple, Redundant, and Current Publication: Authors must refrain from submitting substantially the same research to multiple journals. The republication of previously conducted research is admissible only if it has undergone substantial alterations or improvements. Transparency and clear acknowledgement of acknowledgement are fundamental in publications. 

Authorship of the Work: Authorship credit should be conferred solely upon those who have made significant contributions to the research. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all coauthors have endorsed the final version of the paper and its submission for publication. Substantive contributions by other individuals involved in the research must be acknowledged. 

Privacy of Participants: Authors are required to respect the privacy of research participants and utilize their information exclusively with informed consent. Sharing information that enhances the understanding of the study is crucial. In instances involving the disclosure of participant identities, explicit and informed consent is obligatory. 

Data Access and Retention: Authors should be prepared to provide raw data to the editor if questions arise regarding the accuracy or validity of the research during the review process. 

Images: Images integrated into research must remain unaltered and free from manipulation. Authors are obligated to furnish accurate descriptions of how these images were generated. 

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest: Authors must divulge any potential conflicts of interest, including financial, personal, social, or other interests that may be influenced by the publication of the results. Full transparency is imperative, including the disclosure of all sources of financial support for the project and an elucidation of the role played by funders. 

Copyright: Authors may be asked to sign an agreement allowing the journal to share the article and its derivatives. 

Manuscript Acceptance and Rejection: Authors can inquire about the review process and will be informed of the status: accepted, rejected, or requiring revisions. If rejected, authors can publish elsewhere. Revisions should be explained in detail, and authors can appeal rejection decisions by contacting the editor. 

1. Ethical Guidelines for Editors: 

Formation of Editorial Board: Editors must ensure the board comprises esteemed scholars and provide regular updates. 

Fair Play and Impartiality: Selection criteria should be impartial and based on academic merit, devoid of discriminatory factors. Conflicts of interest should be disclosed. 

Confidentiality: Editors must maintain confidentiality during peer review, protecting personal information. 

Editing and Formatting Guidelines: Clear paper preparation and formatting guidelines should be provided in each journal issue. 

Review Process: Editors should establish a transparent review process with objective peer review and address plagiarism. 

Dealing with Misconduct: Editors should encourage reviewers to comment on ethical issues, confirm plagiarism, and be prepared to publish corrections. 

Transparency: Policies should prevent multiple papers from one investigator on the same issue and discourage misconduct in authorship. 

Conflict of Interest: Editors should avoid conflicts of interest, as should reviewers and board members, with a regularly updated list of common interests. 

Disclosure: Editors should not use unpublished information without the author’s permission and should keep postreview information confidential. 

Publication Decisions: Decisions should be based on merit and journal requirements, with justifications. 

Establishing a Procedure for Appeal: Editors should establish a procedure for appeals regarding rejection, ethical concerns, or harmful publications. 

3) Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers: 

Suitability and Promptness: Reviewers should have subject expertise, act promptly, and avoid unnecessary delays. 

Standards of Objectivity: Reviews should be objective, supported by evidence, and free from unsupported assertions or personal criticism. 

Disclosure and Conflict of Interest: Reviewers should declare conflicts of interest, report ethical issues, and uphold confidentiality. 

Confidentiality: Reviewers must maintain confidentiality and not disclose research details. 

Ethical Considerations: Reviewers should identify and report unethical issues, including research misconduct. 

Structure: Reviewers should evaluate manuscript layout, originality, clarity, and adherence to journal guidelines. 

Review Report: Reviewers should provide clear comments, and a summary, and be courteous. They should justify their decision and indicate revisions. The final decision rests with the editor. 

These ethical guidelines align with HEC’s standards, maintaining high ethical standards in JLSS’s publication process. Adhering to these principles is vital to uphold research integrity and ensure the journal’s ongoing success.