Defining the term ‘
plagiarism’ can be problematic as there are no clear definitions and clear rules. However, it is generally defined as the publication of another author’s thoughts, ideas, or expressions and the representation of them as one’s own original work.
Plagiarism is considered academic dishonesty and a breach of journalistic ethics.
Plagiarism is not a crime per se as it is not defined by law, but rather by institutions (including professional associations, educational institutions, and commercial entities, such as publishing companies). Thus, punishment for
plagiarism is not set forth by the legal system. It is subject to sanctions like penalties, suspension, and even expulsion. However,
plagiarism remains a serious ethical offense in academia and industry. Cases of
plagiarism can constitute copyright infringement and, therefore, the two terms (
plagiarism and copyright infringement) may overlap somewhat. However, they are not equivalent concepts, and many types of
plagiarism do not fall under the category of copyright infringement.
Learn more in:
Strategies on Addressing Contract Cheating: A Case Study from an Australian Regional University