Complaints Policy

Last updated: 05/05/2026

Pensar – Revista de Ciências Jurídicas maintains an open channel for receiving and handling complaints relating to its editorial process, to the conduct of its editors, reviewers or technical staff, and to any other matters concerning the journal’s activities. The handling of complaints follows the flowcharts and guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Who may submit a complaint

Any interested party — author, reader, reviewer, member of the editorial board, or third party — may file a formal complaint with Pensar.

2. Grounds for complaint

This policy applies, among others, to the following situations:

  • a) excessive delay or lack of response during the editorial process;
  • b) inappropriate conduct by an editor, reviewer or technical staff member;
  • c) suspicion of an undeclared conflict of interest;
  • d) procedural failures unrelated to a specific request for review of an editorial decision (for those cases, see the Appeals Policy);
  • e) suspicion of any breach of the journal’s editorial or ethical policies;
  • f) any other situation which, in the complainant’s view, compromises the integrity of the editorial process.

For suspected research misconduct in manuscripts or published articles (plagiarism, fabrication or falsification of data, inappropriate authorship, image manipulation, etc.), the Publication Ethics Policy and the Similarity-Check Policy also apply.

3. How to submit a complaint

Complaints must be filed by e-mail and must contain:

  • a) identification of the complainant (name, institutional affiliation when applicable, and means of contact);
  • b) a clear and objective description of the facts, indicating dates and people involved whenever possible;
  • c) any documentation or evidence available (copies of messages, reports, screenshots);
  • d) where applicable, the specific action expected from the journal.

E-mail address: revistapensar@unifor.br

The journal ensures confidentiality of complaints received, except where the investigation requires the disclosure of information to parties involved, observing the principles of due process and the right to be heard.

4. Review procedure

The complaint will be received by the Editor-in-Chief, who will acknowledge receipt within 5 (five) business days. When the complaint involves the direct action of the Editor-in-Chief, it will be referred to an Associate Editor or to the Higher Council of Editorship of the University of Fortaleza (CSE/UNIFOR).

The investigation will involve:

  • a) documentary analysis and, where applicable, hearing of the parties involved;
  • b) application of the relevant COPE flowcharts;
  • c) coordination, where necessary, with the competent bodies of the University of Fortaleza, including Coética-UNIFOR (Research Ethics Committee) and the Scientific Integrity Policy.

The journal will communicate the outcome to the complainant within 60 (sixty) days from receipt of the complete complaint. In more complex cases, the deadline may be extended, with prior notice to the complainant.

5. Possible outcomes

Depending on the investigation, the journal may take one or more of the following measures:

  • a) clarification to the complainant, with maintenance of the original conduct or decision;
  • b) reversal of the conduct or decision under complaint;
  • c) publication of an erratum, expression of concern, or retraction, in accordance with the Corrections, Expressions of Concern and Retractions Policy;
  • d) removal of a reviewer or editor involved in inappropriate conduct;
  • e) referral of the case to the competent bodies of UNIFOR, to the Ombudsperson’s Office or to other authorities, where applicable;
  • f) any other measure proportionate to the seriousness of the facts.

6. External instances

Should the complainant remain dissatisfied after the internal procedure has been exhausted, they may:

7. Contact

Editor-in-Chief: Sidney Soares Filho

E-mail: revistapensar@unifor.br

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