Editorial Workflow

IJILR follows a double-blind peer review process: the identities of the reviewers are concealed from the author, and the identity of the author is concealed from the reviewers, throughout the review.

Stage 1 — Submission

The author submits through the online system, with a separate cover page carrying author details. The manuscript file itself must be fully anonymised. An acknowledgement with a submission ID is issued.

Stage 2 — Similarity check

On receipt, the editorial team checks the similarity index through Turnitin. Manuscripts outside the acceptable range are returned to the author with the report and do not proceed.

Stage 3 — Editorial screening

Manuscripts within the acceptable range are screened for scope, originality, structure and conformity to the author guidelines. Manuscripts outside scope, or substantially non-conforming, are returned without external review.

Stage 4 — Double-blind peer review

Manuscripts passing screening are sent to two independent reviewers with relevant subject expertise. Reviewers assess originality and contribution, soundness of legal analysis, engagement with primary sources, structure and clarity, accuracy of citation, and suitability for the journal's readership. Each returns a report and one of four recommendations: accept, accept with minor revisions, major revisions required, or reject.

Stage 5 — Editorial decision

Selection depends on the reports of both reviewers. Where the two agree, their recommendation ordinarily governs. Where one reviewer rejects the manuscript, the Editor-in-Chief takes the final decision — based on the reviewers' comments, and after evaluating the importance of the manuscript to researchers and readers, together with legal requirements regarding libel, copyright infringement and plagiarism.

Stage 6 — Revision

Where revisions are required, the author receives the anonymised reviewer reports. Participation in the peer review process is mandatory. Authors must provide clarifications or information requested, respond to suggested changes point by point, and resubmit within the required time. The manuscript is not published unless the required changes are discussed and made.

Stage 7 — Acceptance and publication

Revised manuscripts are reassessed and, where necessary, returned to the original reviewers. Only accepted manuscripts are published. On acceptance the article processing charge becomes payable. The article is then copy-edited, assigned a DOI and published open access in the next quarterly issue. Digital certificates are issued at publication.

Reviewer selection and conflicts

Reviewers are selected on subject expertise, publication record and absence of conflict of interest. A reviewer may not be from the same institution as the author and must declare any conflict on receipt of an assignment.

Confidentiality

Manuscripts under review are confidential. Reviewers may not share, cite or use a manuscript under review, must not upload it to any AI tool, and must delete it after submitting their report.