Conflicts of Interests Policy
Purpose
The Griffith Journal of Law & Human Dignity (‘Journal’) is dedicated to fostering rigorous scholarly discourse and advancing understanding in the fields of law and human dignity. To uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct, the Journal has established this Conflicts of Interest Policy. This policy serves to identify, disclose, and appropriately manage conflicts of interest that could potentially compromise the impartiality, objectivity, and credibility of the Journal's editorial processes, including peer review, editorial decisions, and publication management.
Scope
This policy applies to Editorial Board Members, Author’s and Referee’s engaged by the Journal.
Mandatory Disclosure
This policy requires that all individuals who are engaged in the Journal's processes must disclose any relationships, affiliations, or financial interests that could reasonably be perceived as exerting conflicting influence over their contributions.
Editorial Board Members, Authors and Referees can have diverse interests. The Journal recognises, however, that it is possible that such interests can give rise to a Conflict of Interest. Accordingly, concealment, understatement, or abuse of a Conflict of Interest is considered by the Journal as serious misconduct.
Editorial Board Members should recognise a Conflict of Interest to ensure there can be no perception they or the Journal are receiving improper advantage. The Journal and Editorial Board Members are committed to reasonable steps to:
- determine if their private or personal interests’ conflict, or could reasonably be perceived, or have the potential to conflict with their editorial duties;
- advise the board at the earliest possible opportunity of a potential Conflict of Interest and remove themselves or refrain from making decisions in matters involving an actual conflict;
- not use their Journal position, resources, or information obtained in the context of their position, for private gain or for the private gain of others with whom they have a personal relationship;
- the Editor-in-Chief will proactively work with authors, referees, and editors to identify perceived, actual, or potential Conflicts of Interest, including identifying, approving, documenting, and implementing a management strategy.
Authority to approve the management response for Conflict of Interest ultimately rests with the Editor-in-Chief.
Handling Conflict of Interest Disclosures
The Journal expects the following principles to be upheld:
- Editorial Board Members will strive to place the public interest above their personal interest(s).
- Conflicts of Interest are managed transparently.
- Editorial Board Members are accountable for recognising, declaring, and managing a Conflict of Interest applicable to them.
- For discrete processes that confer direct benefits or disadvantages, relevant participants (authors, editors, and referees) are expected to Disclose in writing when they have no Conflict of Interest to Disclose in addition to the responsibility to Declare any Conflict of Interest.
- Information about a Conflict of Interest will be treated as personal information and handled confidentially.
Transparent and Equitable Processes
The Journal commits to implementing processes that ensure transparency and equity in the handling of conflicts of interest. By defining what needs to be disclosed, including the type, extent, and time frame of competing interests, the Journal aims to establish consistent standards for all parties involved.
Mitigation and Accountability
Recognising that Conflicts of Interest may arise unavoidably; this policy underscores the importance of identifying and addressing such conflicts promptly and effectively. By implementing mechanisms for recusal, mitigation, and documentation, the Journal upholds its commitment to sound editorial decision-making and rigorous peer review.
Commitment to Ethical Publishing
The Journal ‘s Conflicts of Interest Policy and Guidelines exemplify the Journal's dedication to ethical publishing practices. By adopting these measures, the Journal safeguards its reputation as a reputable platform for scholarly engagement, reinforcing its commitment to the pursuit of knowledge in an unbiased and credible manner.
