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.Keywords: Legal Research, Methodology, Theory, Pedagogy, Legal Training, Scholarship