Information for reviewers

  1. The review of the manuscripts is done under a blind peer modality and its made by experts, it is also based on the international double system that ensures that the review complies with anonymity standards, i.e. that nor the authors or reviewers know the identity of each other in order to avoid biases in the process.
  2. The reviewers must manifest if there is any conflict of interest, which can occur as a result of proximity or troubles with the authors or their positions, likewise when the reviewers identify the authors despite the removal of their names from the sent manuscript. The reviewers must warn the editor whenever this happens and reject the invitation to evaluate the article.
  3. Every author must comply with copyrights.
  4. The reviewers must check over their articles within the time assigned by the journal in order to observe the deadlines out of respect for the authors and their work as for a display of compromise with the journal.
  5. The reviewer must keep absolute confidentiality in the review of the manuscript and has no permission whatsoever of communicating its contents to third parties.
  6. The opinion of the reviewers is vital for detecting the originality of the content and guaranteeing the scientific and literary quality of the article.
  7. The reviewers must contain an exhaustive critical analysis of the manuscript that contrasts the stated information, checks the pertinence of the scientific literature used and gives a qualitative and quantitative report about the suitability of the text submitted for publishing regarding the academic nature of the journal.
  8. The reviewers must express issues regarding ethical problems or any inadequate research or publishing practices that might emerge from the submitted material.

 

AI use:

Reviewers play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and integrity of manuscripts. Their role regarding the use of AI in manuscripts and in their own evaluation process is fundamental.

1. Evaluation of Manuscripts Using AI:

  • Detection of Undisclosed Use: If a reviewer suspects that a manuscript has used AI in an undisclosed manner (e.g., by identifying unusual writing patterns, "hallucinations," or inconsistencies in information), they must immediately inform the editor.
  • Content Verification: Reviewers should pay special attention to the accuracy and coherence of AI-generated content declared by the authors. It is essential to verify that the information is correct and that there are no distortions or fabrications.
  • Originality and Plagiarism: Reviewers must remain vigilant for possible cases of plagiarism, even in manuscripts that declare AI use. The use of plagiarism detection tools remains a good practice.
  • Clarity and Transparency: It must be assessed whether the authors' disclosure of AI use is clear, complete, and appropriate.

2. Use of AI in the Evaluation Process:

  • Confidentiality: Reviewers must not input confidential manuscripts into AI tools (e.g., publicly accessible language models like ChatGPT) that may store or use the text for their training. This would violate the confidentiality of the peer review process.
  • Support Tools (under strict supervision): Reviewers may use AI tools for auxiliary tasks, such as grammar checking or translation, provided that the confidentiality of the manuscript is ensured. If the tool requires uploading the manuscript, it must be a secure platform approved by the journal, with guarantees of no storage or use of content for training. In case of doubt, it should not be used.
  • No Substitution of Professional Judgment: AI must not be used to generate evaluation summaries, revision suggestions, or acceptance/rejection decisions. The critical and professional judgment of the reviewer is irreplaceable.
  • Disclosure: If a reviewer has used AI tools to support their review (and this has been approved by the journal if it involves handling the manuscript text), they should consider disclosing it to the editor.

To delve into details about the principles governing the use of AI in the journal, please review the Guide to Good Practices for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Editorial Process of Opinión Jurídica.