“Asian Journal of Criminal Justice and Forensic Studies” is committed to handling complaints and appeals fairly, objectively and promptly. Complaints and appeals are considered in accordance with the journal's editorial policies and, where applicable, the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Complaints
Complaints may concern the journal's editorial procedures, publication ethics, peer review, editorial conduct, published content, or the conduct of editors, reviewers or other persons involved in the publication process.
A complaint should:
- clearly identify the matter concerned;
- provide a concise description of the issue;
- explain the grounds for the complaint; and
- include relevant documents or other supporting evidence where available.
Complaints should be sent to the Editor-in-Chief at info@asianjustice.kz.
The journal will assess the complaint and, where necessary, request additional information. Complaints will normally be resolved within 30 working days. Where an investigation requires additional time, the complainant will be informed accordingly.
Complaints concerning the Editor-in-Chief, or cases in which the Editor-in-Chief has a conflict of interest, will be handled by another senior editor or an authorised representative of the Publisher who is not involved in the matter.
The outcome of the complaint and, where appropriate, the reasons for the decision will be communicated to the complainant.
Appeals against editorial decisions
Authors may appeal an editorial decision where they believe that a material error occurred during the editorial or peer review process or that relevant evidence was not adequately considered.
An appeal must:
- identify the manuscript concerned;
- state clearly the decision being appealed;
- explain the grounds for the appeal; and
- provide a reasoned response to the issues underlying the editorial decision.
An appeal based solely on disagreement with the reviewers' or editor's academic judgement, without substantive grounds, will not normally result in reconsideration.
Appeals will be assessed by the Editor-in-Chief or, where appropriate, by another editor who was not directly involved in the original decision. Additional expert advice or independent review may be sought where necessary.
Submission of an appeal does not guarantee that the original editorial decision will be changed.
The decision reached following consideration of the appeal will normally be regarded as final within the journal's internal appeals procedure.
Conduct and confidentiality
Complaints and appeals will be handled confidentially to the extent reasonably possible and in accordance with applicable legal and ethical requirements.
All parties are expected to communicate professionally and respectfully. Offensive or abusive language will not affect the journal's assessment of a legitimate substantive concern; however, the journal may request that further correspondence be conducted in an appropriate manner.
The journal will not dismiss a complaint solely because it concerns an author, reviewer, editor or member of the Editorial Board. Any complaint falling within the journal's responsibility will be assessed on its merits and with appropriate management of conflicts of interest.
