Author Guidelines

Manuscript Length

Research articles should normally contain 7,000–11,000 words, including footnotes but excluding the title page and reference list. Manuscripts outside this range may be considered where the length is justified by the nature of the research.

Language

SJIL accepts manuscripts written in English. Authors are responsible for ensuring that their manuscripts are clear, coherent, and written in appropriate academic English.

Manuscript Format

Manuscripts should be submitted in an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) format and prepared using the SJIL Article Template.

The manuscript should normally contain:

  • Title
  • Abstract
  • Keywords
  • Introduction
  • Main analysis and discussion
  • Conclusion
  • References

The organization of the main text may vary according to the nature and methodology of the research.

Title

The title should be concise, informative, and accurately reflect the subject and principal focus of the article. Unnecessary abbreviations should be avoided.

Abstract

The manuscript must include an abstract of approximately 150–200 words. The abstract should briefly identify the research problem, objective or research question, methodological or analytical approach, principal findings or argument, and contribution of the article.

Keywords

Authors should provide 3–5 keywords that accurately represent the principal concepts, issues, jurisdictions, or themes addressed in the article.

Headings

Authors should use clear and consistent headings and subheadings to organize the manuscript. Headings should reflect the structure and progression of the argument and should be used consistently throughout the manuscript. Authors should avoid excessive subdivision of the text and should ensure that each heading and subheading contributes meaningfully to the organization of the article.

Citations and References

SJIL uses an author–date in-text citation system. Citations to scholarly literature should generally follow the APA 7th edition style, while primary legal materials are cited according to the journal's specific legal citation conventions. All in-text citations must correspond to a complete entry in the reference list, where applicable. Authors should ensure that citations and references are accurate, consistent, and sufficient to enable readers to identify and locate the cited source.

For scholarly publications, authors should follow APA 7th edition conventions for books, journal articles, book chapters, reports, and other academic sources. Primary legal materials, including treaties, international judicial and arbitral decisions, resolutions of international organisations, legislation, and other authoritative legal documents, should be cited using the relevant SJIL legal citation format.

DOIs or other persistent identifiers should be included where available. Authors are encouraged to use reference-management software such as Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote. Authors remain responsible for verifying the accuracy and consistency of all citations and references.

Tables and Figures

Tables and figures should be included only where they contribute meaningfully to the article. Each table or figure should be numbered consecutively, provided with a clear title or caption, referred to in the text, and accompanied by a source where applicable.

Submission

Manuscripts should be submitted through the SJIL online submission system. Authors should prepare their submissions in accordance with these guidelines and complete the Submission Preparation Checklist before submitting the manuscript. For matters concerning publication ethics, authorship, peer review, conflicts of interest, research integrity, and other editorial matters, authors should consult the relevant SJIL policies.