Federal and state plagiarism laws:
In the US, copyright issues are addressed both federally and at the state level. The primary federal law is Title 17 of the United States Code, which covers original works fixed in a tangible medium. However, states can have their own rules regarding intellectual property. For example, domain name rights might be treated differently in various states — some might not provide specific protections, while others might consider them a form of trademark. So, while federal law provides a broad framework, state laws can add specific details, leading to differences in how laws are applied and enforced.
University and academic publishing policies on plagiarism:
US universities often have detailed guidelines on academic honesty and plagiarism.
Generally, these policies define plagiarism as:
- Directly quoting someone else's text without proper citation.
- Paraphrasing someone else's ideas without giving credit.
- Using facts, images, or compiling materials without citing sources.
These policies stress the importance of academic integrity and can impose severe penalties, including expulsion, for violations. Universities typically offer resources to help students understand citation rules and avoid plagiarism.
Academic publishers like Springer and Elsevier also have strict anti-plagiarism requirements. They recommend:
- Citing sources when paraphrasing or using others' ideas.
- Providing complete bibliographic information for all sources.
- Following citation standards such as APA, which includes specific formatting for longer citations.
Academic integrity is monitored using anti-plagiarism software, honesty boards, or a combination of both. Consequences for violations range from failing a course to expulsion. Universities create educational materials to help students grasp the importance of proper citation and avoiding plagiarism, which is crucial for developing professional skills and maintaining research integrity.