Publication ethics

Last updated: 13/03/2026

Pensar – Journal of Legal Sciences adopts rigorous ethical standards in its editorial process, grounded in national and international best practices applicable to scholarly publishing. The journal operates in accordance with principles of scientific integrity, impartiality, confidentiality, transparency, editorial responsibility, and respect for copyright.

The journal follows, among other references, the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), the Scientific Integrity Policy of the Higher Council for Publishing of the University of Fortaleza, as well as CNPq Ordinance No. 2.664, of March 6, 2026, which establishes the Policy of Integrity in Scientific Activity.

Scientific Integrity Policy of Unifor:
https://unifor.br/documents/d/pesquisa-inovacao/politica-integridade-cientifica

CNPq Ordinance No. 2.664/2026:
http://memoria2.cnpq.br/web/guest/view/-/journal_content/56_INSTANCE_0oED/10157/23142775?p_p_state=pop_up&_56_INSTANCE_0oED_page=1&_56_INSTANCE_0oED_viewMode=print

COPE:
https://publicationethics.org/

ICMJE:
https://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/roles-and-responsibilities/defining-the-role-of-authors-and-contributors.html

Journal commitments

Pensar is committed to:

  • ensuring that editorial decisions are based exclusively on the academic, scientific, and editorial merit of submitted manuscripts;

  • guaranteeing a peer-review process based on impartiality, confidentiality, and adherence to editorial best practices;

  • preventing, identifying, and addressing plagiarism, self-plagiarism, duplicate publication, citation manipulation, undisclosed conflicts of interest, data fabrication or falsification, and other forms of scientific misconduct;

  • protecting the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and information shared during the editorial process;

  • adopting appropriate editorial measures in cases of significant errors, ethical irregularities, or post-publication corrections.

Editorial responsibilities

The editorial team commits to:

  • conducting the editorial process with independence, objectivity, courtesy, and responsibility;

  • selecting qualified reviewers without conflicts of interest;

  • preserving the confidentiality of submitted materials and the adopted peer-review model;

  • guiding authors and reviewers regarding ethical requirements;

  • using COPE flowcharts and guidance when appropriate to analyze ethical issues.

Authorship issues reference:
https://publicationethics.org/guidance/flowchart/how-spot-authorship-problems

Plagiarism in a submitted manuscript:
https://publicationethics.org/guidance/flowchart/plagiarism-submitted-manuscript

Undisclosed conflict of interest:
https://publicationethics.org/guidance/flowchart/undisclosed-conflict-interest-submitted-manuscript

Authors’ responsibilities

By submitting manuscripts to Pensar, authors declare that:

  • the work is original and complies with ethical standards for scientific research and publication;

  • all sources used have been properly cited and referenced;

  • authorship has been attributed only to individuals who made substantial contributions;

  • the manuscript has not been simultaneously submitted to another journal;

  • conflicts of interest and funding sources have been properly disclosed;

  • any significant errors identified after publication will be promptly communicated to the journal.

Reviewers’ responsibilities

Reviewers must:

  • act with impartiality, objectivity, and scientific rigor;

  • maintain confidentiality regarding manuscripts under review;

  • report any conflicts of interest or suspected misconduct;

  • refrain from using information obtained during peer review for personal advantage.

Similarity and plagiarism screening

Pensar uses mechanisms to prevent and detect textual similarity.

The journal uses Crossref Similarity Check, powered by iThenticate, to assist in similarity screening.

Research involving human subjects or animals

When applicable, manuscripts must comply with ethical regulations governing research involving human subjects, animals, and identifiable data.

Resolution No. 466/2012:
https://www.gov.br/conselho-nacional-de-saude/pt-br/atos-normativos/resolucoes/2012/resolucao-no-466.pdf

Law No. 11.794/2008:
https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2007-2010/2008/lei/l11794.htm

Resolution No. 510/2016:
https://www.in.gov.br/materia/-/asset_publisher/Kujrw0TZC2Mb/content/id/22917581

Corrections and post-publication actions

When a significant error, inconsistency, or ethical concern is identified in a published article, the journal may adopt appropriate editorial measures, including correction, erratum, editorial expression of concern, or retraction.

Retraction, Correction and Errata:
https://ojs.unifor.br/rpen/retratacao