Author Guidelines
Everything you need to know to prepare and submit your manuscript to PELTOS Law Journal.
1. Overview
PELTOS Law Journal (PLJ) welcomes original, unpublished manuscripts that contribute to legal scholarship on Africa and its diaspora. All submissions must be original work, not under consideration elsewhere, and must comply with the guidelines below.
Important
Submissions that do not adhere to these guidelines will be returned to the author for revision before entering the review process.
2. Submission Types & Word Limits
Articles
Original research with sustained argumentation and thorough analysis.
Essays
Shorter analytical or reflective pieces on emerging legal issues.
Commentaries
Analysis of recent legislation, judicial decisions, or policy developments.
Case Reviews
Critical analysis of significant judgments from African courts.
Book Reviews
Reviews of recent legal publications relevant to African law.
Word counts include footnotes but exclude the abstract, keywords, and bibliography.
3. Formatting Requirements
File Format
Submit manuscripts as Microsoft Word (.docx) files. PDF files are not accepted for initial submission.
Typography
- Font: Times New Roman, 12pt body; 10pt footnotes
- Line spacing: 1.5 for body text; single for footnotes
- Margins: 2.54 cm (1 inch) on all sides
- Justified text alignment
- Page numbers: bottom center
Anonymization (Double-Blind Review)
- Remove all author names, affiliations, and acknowledgments from the manuscript
- Replace self-citations in third person (e.g., "As argued in [Author, 2023]...")
- Remove identifying metadata from file properties
- Submit a separate title page with author details
Structure
- Title (concise, descriptive, max 15 words)
- Abstract (150-250 words, single paragraph)
- 5-7 keywords
- Main body with numbered headings
- Conclusion
- Bibliography / Reference list
4. Abstract & Keywords
Every submission must include an abstract of 150-250 words in a single paragraph. The abstract should:
- State the research problem or question
- Briefly describe the methodology
- Summarize the main findings or arguments
- State the contribution to the field
- Avoid citations, abbreviations, and footnotes
Provide 5-7 keywords below the abstract, separated by semicolons. Keywords should reflect the core themes and subject areas of the manuscript.
5. Citation Style
PLJ accepts two citation styles. Authors must use one consistently throughout the manuscript:
NALT (Nigerian Association of Law Teachers)
Preferred for submissions focusing on Nigerian law or submitted by Nigerian-based scholars.
Format example:
Adaeze Okonkwo, "Constitutional Reform in Nigeria" (2025) 15 PLJ 1.
OSCOLA (4th ed.)
Preferred for submissions with an international or comparative law focus.
Format example:
Adaeze Okonkwo, 'Constitutional Reform in Nigeria' (2025) 15 PLJ 1.
Footnotes, not endnotes
All cited works must appear in the bibliography
DOI links should be included where available
6. AI Disclosure Policy
Transparency in the Use of AI Tools
PLJ requires full disclosure of any use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the research and writing process. Authors must:
- Disclose the use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot) in a footnote on the first page and in the methodology section
- Specify which AI tool was used, the version, and the nature of its use (e.g., language editing, data analysis, literature search)
- Acknowledge that AI tools may not be listed as authors
- Take full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of all content, including AI-assisted portions
- Ensure AI-generated text does not constitute the primary intellectual contribution of the manuscript
Non-disclosure of AI use is considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in rejection or retraction.
7. Research Ethics & Integrity
Originality & Plagiarism
All submissions are screened for plagiarism using similarity detection software. A similarity index above 20% (excluding bibliography and quotations) will result in return to the author. Proper attribution of all sources is required.
Funding & Conflicts of Interest
Authors must disclose all sources of funding and any conflicts of interest (financial, personal, or professional) that could influence the research. This information should appear in a footnote on the first page.
Human Subjects & Ethics Approval
Research involving human subjects must include evidence of ethics approval from an institutional review board (IRB) or equivalent body.
Authorship & Contribution
All listed authors must have made a substantial contribution to the research and writing. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring all co-authors have approved the submitted version.
Simultaneous Submission
Manuscripts under consideration by another journal will not be reviewed. Authors must notify the editor if the manuscript is submitted elsewhere after submission to PLJ.
8. Submission Process
- Register an account on the PLJ submission portal
- Complete the multi-step submission form
- Upload your .docx manuscript file
- Upload a separate cover page with author details
- Confirm AI disclosure, funding, and conflict of interest statements
- Submit — you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking ID
Questions about your submission?
Contact the editorial office at [email protected]