Correction and Retraction

LEGAL BRIEF is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes the initial publication of an article as the Version of Record and applies recognized publication ethics principles, including the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), when addressing errors, research misconduct, and concerns regarding published articles.

1. Corrections

Errors identified in published articles may require a formal correction in the form of an erratum or corrigendum. Corrections are issued when an error affects the accuracy, clarity, or interpretation of an article but does not invalidate its overall findings or principal conclusions.

An erratum addresses errors introduced during the editorial or production process, while a corrigendum addresses errors identified by the authors after publication.

Authors, readers, editors, or other interested parties may report suspected errors to the editorial office. The Editor-in-Chief will assess the report, seek clarification or supporting evidence where necessary, and determine whether a formal correction is warranted.

A correction notice will identify the original article, describe the error, provide the corrected information, and explain its significance where appropriate. The notice will be published as a separate, citable document and linked to the original article.

Minor typographical or formatting errors that do not affect the meaning or interpretation of an article may be corrected without a separate notice at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief. Any substantive post-publication changes will be documented transparently.

2. Expressions of Concern

An Expression of Concern may be issued when credible information raises substantial doubts about the reliability, integrity, or ethical conduct of a published article, but the available evidence is insufficient to justify an immediate retraction.

The Editor-in-Chief will assess the available evidence and may request explanations from the authors, consult independent experts, or contact the authors' affiliated institutions or relevant research ethics bodies. Investigations into alleged research misconduct may be referred to the appropriate institution or authority.

An Expression of Concern will identify the article in question, explain the nature of the concern, and provide relevant information about the status of the investigation, where appropriate.

Following further assessment, the journal may publish a correction, retract the article, maintain the Expression of Concern, or close the matter if the concerns are not substantiated.

3. Article Withdrawal

Withdrawal applies to manuscripts that have not yet been formally published as the Version of Record.

A manuscript may be withdrawn before publication if justified by valid reasons, including duplicate submission, serious errors, authorship disputes, plagiarism, fraudulent data, or other substantial violations of publication ethics.

The corresponding author must submit a written request explaining the reasons for withdrawal. The Editor-in-Chief will assess the request and determine the appropriate action.

Articles that have already been formally published in an issue of LEGAL BRIEF will not be withdrawn. Such articles will be considered for correction, retraction, or another appropriate editorial action, depending on the circumstances.

4. Article Retraction

LEGAL BRIEF may retract a published article when reliable evidence demonstrates that the publication is seriously compromised or violates recognized standards of publication ethics.

Grounds for retraction may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Plagiarism or substantial unattributed duplication of published work.

  2. Fabrication, falsification, or manipulation of data, evidence, or research findings.

  3. Serious errors or methodological flaws that invalidate the principal conclusions.

  4. Duplicate or redundant publication that materially violates publication ethics.

  5. Authorship fraud or other serious authorship-related misconduct.

  6. Serious violations of research ethics or applicable legal requirements.

  7. Manipulation of peer review or the publication process.

  8. Other substantiated misconduct that significantly undermines the reliability or integrity of the scholarly record.

Retraction is intended to correct the scholarly record and does not, by itself, establish that all authors were responsible for the identified problem or acted intentionally.

5. Retraction Procedure

When grounds for retraction are identified, the Editor-in-Chief will assess the available evidence and may request an explanation from the authors. The journal may consult independent experts, affiliated institutions, or relevant ethics bodies when necessary.

Authors will normally be given a reasonable opportunity to respond before a final decision is made. However, the journal may proceed without an author's response when reasonable attempts to obtain one have been unsuccessful and the available evidence supports retraction.

The final decision will be based on the evidence, the seriousness of the issue, and applicable publication ethics principles. Retraction may proceed regardless of whether the authors agree with the decision.

The journal will handle allegations fairly, impartially, confidentially where appropriate, and without unnecessary delay.

6. Publication of Retraction Notices

When an article is retracted, LEGAL BRIEF will publish a separate notice titled "Retraction: [Original Article Title]."

The retraction notice will:

  1. Identify the original article by title, authors, publication details, and DOI, where available.

  2. Clearly state that the article has been retracted.

  3. Explain the reasons for retraction in a factual and transparent manner.

  4. Identify whether the retraction was initiated by the authors, the Editor-in-Chief, or the journal.

  5. Be published as a separate, citable record and included in the journal's publication record.

  6. Be electronically linked to the original article and made freely accessible.

The original article will remain available to preserve the scholarly record, unless exceptional legal circumstances require removal. The electronic PDF will be clearly marked "RETRACTED", and the retraction notice will be prominently linked to the article. The article's bibliographic metadata will be retained.

7. Article Removal and Replacement

Article removal will be considered only in exceptional circumstances, such as a court order, serious infringement of legal rights, clearly defamatory content, or another compelling legal or ethical reason.

Where removal is necessary, the article's bibliographic metadata will be retained, and a notice explaining the removal will be displayed, subject to applicable legal restrictions.

Article replacement may be considered in exceptional circumstances when a serious error requires the publication of a corrected version. In such cases, the journal will maintain a transparent record of the original article, the relevant retraction or replacement notice, and the corrected version.

8. Appeals and Final Decisions

Authors may appeal a correction or retraction decision by submitting a written appeal with relevant supporting evidence to the Editor-in-Chief.

The appeal will be reviewed impartially, and independent advice may be sought where necessary. The journal will communicate its decision to the relevant parties.

LEGAL BRIEF reserves the right to take appropriate editorial action whenever credible evidence indicates that the accuracy, reliability, or ethical integrity of the scholarly record has been compromised.

All decisions will be guided by the principles of publication ethics, transparency, fairness, accountability, and the preservation of the scholarly record.

Policy responsibility: Editor-in-Chief, LEGAL BRIEF
Publisher: Ihsa Institute