Case Study : Accused of Plagiarism

Case Study

University Accused Client of

Plagiarism in Research Project.

Case Dismissed.

Background

Student studying for an MSc in Biopharmaceuticals (‘our client’) was accused of academic misconduct, namely plagiarism in the final research project. The module made up 1/3 of the overall degree therefore in order to achieve a merit or distinction and to go on to postgraduate studies, our client had to attain over 50 percent in this project. Our client attended a Local Academic Misconduct Procedure meeting and was given the option to accept the allegation or defend it. In the event our client accepted the allegation, our client would be awarded zero for the module and resubmission capped at 50%. RT Coopers was instructed to advise and assist as on investigation RT Coopers found that there was no plagiarism.

Grounds

Our client was requested by the university to sign a form admitting to the allegation. RT Coopers advised our client to deny the allegation. The university requested that our client sign a form admitting the allegation of academic misconduct which we advised against. This had to be done within 5 working days of the investigative meeting. The case was passed to the Misconduct Committee for a full hearing. RT Coopers drafted a document in support of our client’s defence of the allegation on the ground of procedural irregularity. The Turnitin report showed a similarity index of 44 percent. This was a science-based project, and our lawyers knowledge and understanding of the science behind the project played an extremely important role in defending the allegation.

Our client submitted the document and attended the hearing to defend the allegation

Outcome

Our client was looking for (i) the allegation to be dismissed; (ii) seeking resubmission of the research project with no cap on the mark; and (iii) there to be no record of the suspected allegation placed on our client’s permanent record.

Testimonial

Student studying MSc Biopharmaceuticals accused of self-plagiarism. Following the investigation meeting, student given the option to accept the allegation and be awarded zero for the module and a capped mark of 50 percent on resubmission. Student denied the allegation as believed there was no plagiarism. RT Coopers instructed to advise and assist student as well as to draft a statement in defence. Consultation held with student and then statement was drafted by the firm. The analysis of the evidence adduced by the university showed that there was no plagiarism. One of the defences of the allegation was procedural irregularity. The student had to attend a committee hearing. The committee held that there was no self plagiarism. The allegation was dismissed. First published in Google Business Profile Reviews

‘I enquired with several firms about a case of self plagiarism. RT Coopers Solicitors was quick to respond and straight away we were able to go through the specifics of my case. Rosanna spent several hours on Zoom with me going through my entire literature review and we complied evidence that I could use in my appeal. Rosanna also prepared a strong statement that I could use in my case. Whilst waiting for my appeal date Rosanna was on hand to answer any questions and always replied promptly. After appealing, I won the case and am set to graduate with a Distinction. This was a huge relief to me as if the original decision had not been overturned I would’ve graduated with a Merit. I can’t thank RT Coopers enough - they helped me tremendously compiling the evidence and statement I needed to win my case. Highly recommend!. Jenny

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