Penalties for Plagiarism in Us and Uk Academic Institutions

Penalties for plagiarism in US and UK academic institutions

Introduction

Plagiarism is unethical act that has found its way into the academic and research fields that needs to be avoided. This paper tries to look at the effects of plagiarism on oneself and in the academic field as a whole. It discuses anti-plagiarism policy as implemented by U.S.A and U.K. It also explains the penalties imposed on individual practicing this unconscionable act. It gives my opinion in regard to the penalties before concluding.

Plagiarism in the education discipline can be defined as the act of copying, paraphrasing, close presentation and purloining others’ ideas, publications without giving due credit to the original authors (Carroll and Appleto 35). The term plagiarism originated from a Latin word ‘plagiarius’ meaning stealing or kidnapping (Alexander 27). This is an infringement of the original author’s right of ownership by claiming to be the first owner of the idea. With the extensive use of the internet in the research, it has become a common practice for some students who have developed a habit of copying and pasting others’ works then claim to have produced a novel paper/assignment. Plagiarism clearly indicates the iniquity of deception and anybody who practices it will be unable to produce original products even at his/her work place. (S)He will depend on copying others’ ideas and in that effect; he harms his own reputation and the original owner of the idea. Plagiarism prevents individuals from acquiring intended information or concepts. This is because it hinders them from learning or practicing what they have been taught hence institution end up producing professional quacks. It is for these reasons that U.S.A and U.K academic institutions imposed Anti-plagiarism Policy to deal with plagiarists.

The anti- plagiarism policy that was adopted in U.S.A and U.K clearly gives a guideline on what should be done to wave out this menace. They have developed systems to check either deliberate plagiarism or just minor errors. This helps them to know what action to take depending on the degree of plagiarism. Moreover, the institutions are advised to take human rights Acts into consideration when handling such cases (Alexander 51).However, Carroll and Appleto (11) suggest that there should be structures, procedures and technological formula of implementing this anti-plagiarism policy. They argue that there should be consistent teaching approach of helping students on knowing how to avoid this fraudulent act, rather than seeing punishment as the only solution. Secondly, the institutions were given the mandate of punishing the culprits within the institution. This was to make the institutions more involved in dealing with this menace. Upon admission, the entire students are always informed on the consequences and penalties of such acts. Anti-plagiarism Policy directs all the academic institutions to work together in improving and upholding the academic integrity.