Screening
Every manuscript is screened before peer review. The plagiarism screening fee is the only charge payable before an editorial decision; all other fees fall due only after acceptance.
Thresholds
Similarity is assessed excluding quoted matter, references and standard legal phrases.
- Up to 10 per cent: proceeds to review
- 10 to 20 per cent: returned to the author for revision before review
- Above 20 per cent: rejected without review
- Any verbatim uncited passage, irrespective of percentage: rejected
Consequences
A finding of plagiarism after publication results in retraction and notification of the author's institution. Screening fees are not refundable in any circumstance.
Last reviewed July 2026. Queries about this policy go to chiefeditor@moslegisreview.com.