Policy on the use of GenAI

The Journal of Legal Research (JLR) recognises that generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as large language models and AI-assisted writing tools, may support research and writing. Their use must be transparent and must not replace human scholarly judgement. This policy follows the guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) on authorship and AI tools.

Authors

  • AI tools cannot be listed as an author or co-author, because they cannot take responsibility for the work, approve its final version, or be accountable for its integrity.
  • Authors may use AI tools to improve language and readability. Any use beyond language editing, such as generating text, summarising literature, analysing data, or producing images, must be disclosed.
  • Disclosure is made in the Use of Artificial Intelligence statement before the bibliography, naming the tool, its version, and the purpose for which it was used. If no AI tool was used, the statement should say so.
  • Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the entire manuscript, including any content produced with AI assistance. Authors must verify every fact, citation, and legal source, because AI tools may produce incorrect or fabricated references.
  • AI-generated images, figures, or data may not be presented as original research results.

Editors

  • Editors must not upload submitted manuscripts, or any part of them, to generative AI tools, because doing so may breach confidentiality and the authors' rights.
  • Editors may use AI-based tools only for limited technical tasks, such as similarity checking or reference formatting, and editorial decisions must be made by the editors themselves.

Reviewers

  • Reviewers must not use generative AI tools to evaluate manuscripts or to write review reports.
  • Reviewers must not upload manuscripts, or any part of them, to AI tools, because the review process is confidential.

Breaches of This Policy

Undisclosed or inappropriate use of AI tools discovered before publication may lead to rejection. If it is discovered after publication, the journal will act in accordance with its Correction and Retraction Policy.