Author Guidelines

Legal Research & Analysis welcomes contributions that align with our aims and scope in legal scholarship. These author guidelines provide detailed instructions for preparing and submitting manuscripts to ensure a smooth submission and double-blind peer review process. Following these guidelines improves the chances of successful publication and helps maintain the journal's academic standards.

Kindly follow the  Template designed to assist authors in preparing manuscript.  All authors identified on the submission must consent to be identified as an author. When you're satisfied that your submission meets this standard, please follow the checklist below to prepare your submission.

Submission Process

All manuscripts must be submitted online through the journal's submission portal using the "Make a Submission" button on our website.

  • New users: Register for an account.
  • Registered users: Log in to submit new manuscripts or track existing ones.

Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. Only English-language manuscripts are considered. All identified authors must consent to authorship. The submission must be original, not previously published, and not under consideration elsewhere.

Article Types Accepted

Legal Research & Analysis publishes the following types of contributions:

  • Original Research Articles: In-depth legal analysis, empirical studies, or theoretical papers.
  • Review Articles: Comprehensive reviews of legal literature or developments in a specific area.
  • Case Comments: Critical analysis of recent judicial decisions.
  • Book Reviews: Evaluations of recent legal publications.
  • Essays: Shorter, provocative pieces on emerging legal issues.

All submissions must align with the journal's aims and scope.

Manuscript Preparation

Use the journal's official manuscript template (download available on the submission portal) to format your paper. Submissions must be in Microsoft Word format.

Required Elements

  1. Title

·       Informative, concise, and reflective of the content.

·       Preferably no more than 20 words.

  1. Author Information (on a separate title page for double-blind review)

·       Full names of all authors.

·       Institutional affiliations (at the time of research).

·       Email addresses.

·       ORCiD iD (highly recommended; register at https://orcid.org).

·       Clear identification of the corresponding author.

  1. Abstract

·       150–250 words.

·       Summarize the problem, objectives, methodology (if applicable), key findings, and conclusions.

  1. Keywords

·       6–10 keywords, arranged alphabetically.

·       Separated by semicolons (;).

  1. Main Text Structure

·       Introduction: Clearly state the research question, significance, and objectives.

·       Methods (optional for doctrinal work; required for empirical research).

·       Analysis/Discussion: Core legal arguments, results, and critical evaluation.

·       Conclusions: Answer the research objectives, implications, and suggestions for future research.

·       Sections should be numbered sequentially (e.g., 1., 1.1, etc.).

·       Use non-discriminatory, inclusive language.

  1. References

·       Follow Chicago Author-Date style.

·       All in-text citations must appear in the reference list (alphabetical order).

·       Court cases and statutes/acts should be numbered and cited in footnotes.

·       Include DOI or stable URL where available.

·       Examples:

      • Book: Smith, John. 2020. The History of Law. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
      • Journal Article: Brown, Emily. 2023. Constitutional Challenges in Digital Era. Legal Research & Analysis 12 (1): 45–67. https://doi.org/10.1234/lra.2023.001
      • In-text: (Smith 2020); (Smith and Brown 2020); (Smith et al. 2020)
  1. Tables and Figures

·       Number sequentially and cite in text.

·       Provide informative captions.

·       Tables: Created in Word/Excel.

·       Figures: High-resolution; supplied separately upon acceptance.

Language and Ethics

·       Authors are responsible for language quality. We strongly recommend professional English editing (native speaker or specialist) before submission.

·       Use gender-neutral and non-discriminatory language.

·       Declare any reuse of previously published material (e.g., figures) and provide permission evidence if requested.

·       Declare any conflicts of interest.

Online Submission Steps

1.     Start Submission: Select article type (e.g., Research Article, Case Comment).

2.     Upload Manuscript: As article text text.

3.     Enter Metadata: Title, abstract, keywords, and author details.

4.     Upload Supplementary Files: Include a cover letter and any permissions.

5.     Confirm and Submit: Review files and complete submission.

You will receive email confirmation and can track progress via your account.

Submission Preparation Checklist

Authors must confirm compliance with:

·       The manuscript is original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere.

·       File is in Microsoft Word format and follows the journal template.

·       Third-party materials have permissions and credits.

·       Abstract, keywords, and structured sections are included.

·       References follow Chicago Author-Date style.

·       No conflicts of interest (or declared).

·       Language is clear, professional, and non-discriminatory.

Peer Review and Publication

Legal Research & Analysis operates a double-blind peer review process. Manuscripts undergo initial editorial screening (scope, quality, plagiarism check) and, if suitable, are sent to at least two external reviewers.

Possible decisions: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject. Revised manuscripts should be returned promptly; excessive delays may result in treatment as a new submission. Accepted articles proceed to copyediting, proofreading, and publication (online with DOI assignment).