Plagiarism Policy
The Journal of Urban Sociology (JUS) considers plagiarism a serious breach of publication ethics. Plagiarism includes presenting the words, ideas, data, figures, or other work of others as one's own without proper acknowledgment, as well as self-plagiarism (redundant or duplicate publication of one's own previously published work). JUS follows the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) in handling suspected plagiarism.
1. Similarity Check
- All submitted manuscripts are checked using Turnitin during the initial editorial screening, before peer review.
- The maximum similarity index accepted is 15%, excluding the reference list, quotations that are properly cited, and small matches of fewer than 1% from a single source.
- Revised manuscripts may be rechecked before the final decision.
2. Editorial Action
- Similarity of 15% or less: the manuscript proceeds to peer review, provided that no substantial portion is copied from a single source.
- Similarity above 15% to 25%: the manuscript is returned to the authors for revision before it can be considered further.
- Similarity above 25%, or clear evidence of plagiarism: the manuscript is declined.
The similarity index is not the only consideration. Editors also assess the nature of the overlap; copying of substantial passages, data, or arguments without attribution is treated as plagiarism regardless of the percentage.
3. Plagiarism Detected after Publication
If plagiarism is detected after publication, the journal will investigate the case in accordance with COPE flowcharts. The authors will be given the opportunity to respond. If plagiarism is confirmed, the article will be retracted, a retraction notice stating the reason will be published, and the authors' institution may be notified.
