Datasheet

• Online ISSN: 2184-3082
• Frequency: Semiannual
• Ownership: Ponte Editora, Sociedade Unipessoal, Lda.

Description of Disciplines and Scientific Areas

The Legal Journal (J²) is a scientific journal that aims to be a space for sharing and dialogue on matters of the social science domain. It publishes and disseminates, in open access format, texts that interweave various disciplines, such as law, criminology, political sciences, public administration, sociology, and anthropology. J² covers inter-, multi-, trans-, and pluridisciplinarity, providing a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues echoing in the social science domain.

Scope and Objectives

J² is an academic publication edited and published semiannually, targeting professors, researchers, professionals, and society. Its mission is to disseminate original scientific works that promote innovation, dialogue, and the holistic dissemination of the social science domain. This approach reflects the fundamental principle that scientific knowledge should be readily accessible, based on scientific responsibility, and committed to transferring knowledge to society. Published twice a year, it offers open and free access, following the principle of free availability of scientific knowledge.

Editorial Process Summary

All submissions undergo an initial editorial assessment to determine their alignment with the journal’s aims and scope, originality, ethical compliance and conformity with the author guidelines. This assessment is conducted by the Editor-in-Chief or by a designated independent handling editor where an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest exists.

Research manuscripts that pass the initial editorial assessment are normally evaluated by at least two independent external reviewers selected for their relevant subject expertise. Double-blind peer review is the journal’s default model. Single-blind or open peer review may be used where appropriately justified and documented; open peer review requires the informed agreement of the authors and reviewers. Where the reviewers’ assessments materially diverge, a third independent reviewer may be appointed.

Editorial decisions are based exclusively on academic merit, originality, methodological rigour, ethical compliance, relevance and alignment with the journal’s scope. Reviewers’ recommendations inform, but do not determine, the editorial decision.

Where the Editor-in-Chief, Deputy Editor, a Scientific Board member, an Editorial Board member or a member of the editorial staff is an author, co-author or otherwise has a relevant conflict of interest, that person takes no part in the initial assessment, reviewer selection, editorial correspondence, interpretation of the reports or final decision. Exclusive authority is assigned to a suitably qualified and non-conflicted independent handling editor, and the procedure is documented in the confidential editorial record.

The Scientific Board performs an advisory and strategic function. It contributes subject-area expertise and supports the journal’s academic development, but it does not replace independent external peer review or participate routinely in the evaluation of individual manuscripts.

Access, Ethics & Publishing Policy

The journal maintains an Immediate and Free Open Access policy:

• No article processing charges (APCs) or submission fees
• Complies with international open access standards: DOAJ, BOAI, and Plan S
• Ensures ethical standards guided by COPE, ICMJE, WMA, ARRIVE, and EQUATOR Network frameworks

Accepted articles are published with a DOI via Crossref and preserved via the PKP Preservation Network (PKP PN).