Peer Review Process

Peer Review Process

Equality: Journal of Law and Justice implements a Double Anonymous Peer Review (Double-Blind Review) system, ensuring that both authors and reviewers remain anonymous to maintain objectivity and minimize bias.

All submitted manuscripts undergo the following stages:

1. Initial Editorial Screening (± 2–3 Weeks)

Each submitted manuscript is reviewed by the editorial team to assess:

  • Suitability with the journal’s aims and scope
  • Compliance with author guidelines and formatting style
  • Completeness of submission

At this stage, manuscripts also undergo a plagiarism screening, with a maximum similarity threshold of 25%. The journal uses plagiarism detection software such as Turnitin or PlagiarismCheckerX to ensure originality and authenticity.

Manuscripts that do not meet these requirements may be rejected or returned to authors for correction before proceeding.

2. Double Anonymous Peer Review (± 4 Weeks)

Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are sent to at least two independent reviewers with relevant expertise.

  • The review process follows a double anonymous system:
    • Reviewers do not know the identity of the authors
    • Authors do not know the identity of the reviewers
  • Reviewers are independent and not affiliated with the authors’ institution

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on:

  • Originality and scholarly contribution
  • Methodological rigor and analysis
  • Clarity and structure of the manuscript
  • Relevance to the field of legal studies
  • Compliance with publication ethics

3. Reviewer Recommendations

Based on the evaluation, reviewers provide one of the following decisions:

  • Accept (without revision)
  • Minor Revision
  • Major Revision
  • Reject

If there are significant differences between reviewer recommendations, the editor may assign a third reviewer.

4. Revision Process (± 1–2 Weeks)

If revisions are required:

  • Authors must revise the manuscript according to reviewer comments
  • Revised manuscripts must be resubmitted via OJS (Open Journal Systems) within 1–2 weeks
  • Authors are required to provide a response to reviewers

Multiple rounds of revision may occur if necessary.

5. Final Decision

The Editor makes the final decision based on:

  • Reviewer recommendations
  • Quality of revisions
  • Editorial considerations

If the manuscript is accepted without revision, no further changes are required.
If accepted with revisions, authors must complete revisions before final acceptance.

6. Publication

Accepted articles will be published according to the journal’s scheduled publication timeline.

7. Fast-Track Review (Optional)

Authors who require a faster review process may contact the editorial team via technical support to request a fast-track review.

All fast-track submissions are still subject to the same peer review standards and ethical policies.

8. Ethics and Confidentiality

  • The review process is conducted confidentially and professionally
  • Reviewers must declare any conflicts of interest
  • The journal ensures all published articles have undergone rigorous peer review