About the Journal
Peer Review
All articles are subject to a double-blind peer review by two reviewers. Reviewers are relevant subject experts and may be from South Africa or elsewhere, depending on the scope of the article and the availability of local reviewers. SACQ has a short turnaround time compared to other journals so the review period is usually between one and two weeks, though there are instances when a longer period of time may be given if an article comes in well ahead of deadline.
Reviewers have an option of using a standard form for their review (See below) or writing a report-style review, taking guidance for the issues to be addressed from the standard form. Reviews are assessed by the editor and sent to the author, along with comments from the editor. At the time of submitting the reports to the author/s the editor also provides the authors with comments and suggestions for improvement/changes as required.
The author has between a week and two weeks to make revisions. These are assessed by a sub editor and the editor to ensure the revisions address the issues raised by the reviewers and editor. A final decision about publication is made by the editor. If necessary, the editor will consult with the whole editorial board, or specific members of the board, during the assessment of the suitability of the article for publication.
ISS Review Sheet
Reviewer’s Name (to be deleted when review sheet is forwarded to the author/s of the paper concerned):
Title of article:
Date of review:
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Evaluation Area |
Y/N |
Comments |
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1. Introduction |
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a. Previews key ideas to be discussed |
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2. Content |
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a. Topic is significant & relevant for an SACQ article |
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b. Displays clear and logical analysis, synthesis, and evaluation |
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c. Supports thesis/argument/conclusion |
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d. Argument assertions are substantiated with appropriate references |
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e. Supporting evidence is drawn from credible sources |
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f. Alternative or opposing viewpoints are addressed |
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g. Contains accurate & relevant facts |
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h. Sufficient scope & detail -- neither too much nor too little |
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3. Conclusion |
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a. Reinforces thesis, essential arguments/points |
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b. Clear summation with no new information |
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4. Organization |
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a. Clear and logical flow - easy to follow the argument |
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b. Evidence is well integrated |
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d. Sticks to topic - no unnecessary excursions |
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e. Body of text is divided into appropriate paragraphs with section headings |
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f. Transition words & phrases smoothly link ideas |
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g. Well reasoned conclusion, sense of completion |
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5. Style |
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a. Clear and persuasive active vs. passive writing |
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b. Professional and interesting language and vocabulary |
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c. Solid paragraph & sentence structure with smooth flow |
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d. Consistent tense/voice/person |
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e. Correct mechanics & grammar: spelling, capitalization, punctuation, parallel construction (using matching words, phrases, clauses or sentence structure), acronyms spelled out on first usage |
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6. General Comments |
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Please add any additional comments here: |
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7. Recommendation |
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In your opinion should this paper be: a) accepted as it stands b) accepted if minor changes recommended in this review sheet are executed c) returned to the author for major revision and resubmission for a second round of peer-review d) rejected |
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Open Access Policy
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
Publication Scheduling
This journal publishes four editions a year.
General
Focus and Scope
South African Crime Quarterly is an inter-disciplinary peer-reviewed journal that promotes professional discourse and the publication of research on the subjects of crime, criminal justice, crime prevention, and related matters including state and non-state responses to crime and violence. South Africa is the primary focus for the journal but articles on the above mentioned subjects that reflect research and analysis from other African countries are considered for publication, if they are of relevance to South Africa.
SACQ is an applied policy journal. Its audience includes policy makers, criminal justice practitioners and civil society researchers and analysts, including the academy. The purpose of the journal is to inform and influence policy making on violence prevention, crime reduction and criminal justice. Articles submitted to SACQ are double-blind peer-reviewed before publication.
Peer Review Process
All articles are subject to a double-blind peer review by two reviewers. Reviewers are relevant subject experts and may be from South Africa or elsewhere, depending on the scope of the article and the availability of local reviewers. SACQ has a short turnaround time compared to other journals so the review period is usually between one and two weeks, though there are instances when a longer period of time may be given if an article comes in well ahead of deadline.
Reviewers have an option of using a standard form for their review (See below) or writing a report-style review, taking guidance for the issues to be addressed from the standard form. Reviews are assessed by the editor and sent to the author, along with comments from the editor. At the time of submitting the reports to the author/s the editor also provides the authors with comments and suggestions for improvement/changes as required.
The author has between a week and two weeks to make revisions. These are assessed by a sub editor and the editor to ensure the revisions address the issues raised by the reviewers and editor. A final decision about publication is made by the editor. If necessary, the editor will consult with the whole editorial board, or specific members of the board, during the assessment of the suitability of the article for publication.
ISS Review Sheet
Reviewer’s Name (to be deleted when review sheet is forwarded to the author/s of the paper concerned):
Title of article:
Date of review:
|
Evaluation Area |
Y/N |
Comments |
|
1. Introduction |
||
|
a. Previews key ideas to be discussed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. Content |
||
|
a. Topic is significant & relevant for an SACQ article |
|
|
|
b. Displays clear and logical analysis, synthesis, and evaluation |
|
|
|
c. Supports thesis/argument/conclusion |
|
|
|
d. Argument assertions are substantiated with appropriate references |
|
|
|
e. Supporting evidence is drawn from credible sources |
|
|
|
f. Alternative or opposing viewpoints are addressed |
|
|
|
g. Contains accurate & relevant facts |
|
|
|
h. Sufficient scope & detail -- neither too much nor too little |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. Conclusion |
||
|
a. Reinforces thesis, essential arguments/points |
|
|
|
b. Clear summation with no new information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. Organization |
||
|
a. Clear and logical flow - easy to follow the argument |
|
|
|
b. Evidence is well integrated |
|
|
|
d. Sticks to topic - no unnecessary excursions |
|
|
|
e. Body of text is divided into appropriate paragraphs with section headings |
|
|
|
f. Transition words & phrases smoothly link ideas |
|
|
|
g. Well reasoned conclusion, sense of completion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. Style |
||
|
a. Clear and persuasive active vs. passive writing |
|
|
|
b. Professional and interesting language and vocabulary |
|
|
|
c. Solid paragraph & sentence structure with smooth flow |
|
|
|
d. Consistent tense/voice/person |
|
|
|
e. Correct mechanics & grammar: spelling, capitalization, punctuation, parallel construction (using matching words, phrases, clauses or sentence structure), acronyms spelled out on first usage |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. General Comments |
||
|
Please add any additional comments here: |
||
|
|
||
|
7. Recommendation |
||
|
In your opinion should this paper be: a) accepted as it stands b) accepted if minor changes recommended in this review sheet are executed c) returned to the author for major revision and resubmission for a second round of peer-review d) rejected |
|
|
Publication Frequency
This journal publishes four editions a year.
Open Access Policy
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
Sources of Support
- Donor funds
