Methodology, Theoretical Framework And Scholarly Significance: An Overview Of International Best Practices In Legal Research

Abstract

Communicating the results of painstaking legal research efforts is arguably
as important as conducting the research itself. Established international
publication outlets apply diverse submission guidelines for prospective authors.
One common currency, however, is that getting a research paper from
conception to publication, as a journal article, book chapter, or forum paper,
requires an author to demonstrate a potential contribution to knowledge in
the field. This requires a systematic research approach that unpacks
contemporary issues in an analytical manner; a clear and concise presentation
of ideas with focus on effectiveness; adoption of tested theoretical frameworks
to underpin new ideas; and a careful proofreading of manuscript to ensure
that a prospective publication meets the expected standards of good quality
contribution to theory, practice or policy. This article discusses the indispensable
standards and important guidelines that authors should weigh before writing
papers for publication, most especially for internationally recognized journals.
The authors draw on their experiences as Editorial Board members of national
and international journals to unpack key theoretical, methodological and practical issues that legal researchers should consider when developing legal
research papers.