American Bankruptcy Law Journal

Guidelines for Accepting an Article In Memoriam for the Journal

The submission of an article “In Memoriam” is an important way to honor and commemorate the life and work of an individual who has passed. The following guidelines are established to ensure that such articles are respectful, relevant, and meaningful for publication in our journal:

I.          Scope and Purpose

  1. Articles submitted in memoriam should aim to celebrate the life, contributions, and legacy of the individual.
  2. These articles may include biographical details, scholarly reflections, and personal anecdotes, but they should primarily focus on the individual’s professional contributions, achievements, and impact in their field.
  3. Submissions should demonstrate a scholarly approach and be written with dignity and respect.

II.        Eligibility of the Subject

  1. The individual commemorated in the article should be a significant figure within the field relevant to the journal’s scope.
  2. The person should have made notable contributions to the academic, professional, or legal community, or have been widely recognized for their work.
  3. The article must be submitted within a reasonable time after the individual’s passing, typically within 1–2 years, unless the circumstances justify a longer delay.

III.       Article Submission

  1. Submissions must be sent through the journal’s standard submission process, including the completion of necessary documentation such as the submission form and relevant declarations (e.g., conflict of interest, author’s responsibility).
  2. Articles should include a brief introduction to the subject, outlining their professional background, achievements, and significance.
  3. The article should be written in a scholarly manner, following the journal’s guidelines for structure, style, and referencing. Editorial guidelines, including word count and formatting specifications, should be adhered to strictly.

IV.       Content and Structure

  1. Introduction: Provide an overview of the individual’s life, academic or professional journey, and major contributions. This may be shortened or eliminated if the article is being submitted as part of a collection or symposia and such information is covered by the lead article or preface.
  2. Body: Explore one or more facets of the individual’s work in detail, focusing on their influence on the field. This may include discussing key publications, collaborations, and impact on students, colleagues, or institutions.  It may also include reflections on extensions of such work.
  3. Conclusion: Reflect on the legacy and ongoing relevance of their work, and its impact on current research, practice, or future developments in the field.
  4. Reflections: If applicable, include a section for personal reflections from colleagues, students, or collaborators (with proper permission from individuals quoted).

V.         Ethical Considerations

  1. The article must be written with sensitivity and respect for the deceased and their family, colleagues, and the broader community.
  2. Any personal anecdotes or reflections should be shared only with prior consent, especially if they include details about the deceased’s private life.
  3. If the article includes third-party contributions (e.g., quotes, tributes, unpublished work), permission must be obtained from relevant parties and proper acknowledgment made.

VI.       Authorship and Acknowledgments

  1. Articles must clearly state the names and affiliations of all contributors to the article, as well as any individuals who were instrumental in providing insights or support (such as biographical details or unpublished material).
  2. A brief statement regarding the relationship between the authors and the deceased (if relevant) may be included for context.
  3. Contributors should ensure proper attribution and avoid excessive personal bias in writing the article.

VII.     Peer Review Process

  1. Articles submitted for publication in memoriam will undergo the standard peer-review process to ensure scholarly rigor and quality.
  2. While the peer review will be conducted with sensitivity, the academic integrity and standards of the journal will still apply.
  3. Editors may invite experts who are familiar with the deceased’s work or contributions to provide feedback during the review process.
  4. The editor-in-chief, senior editorial team, and the journal maintain complete discretion concerning whether an article or a collection of articles or symposia is accepted for publication in the journal.

VIII.    Language and Tone

  1. The tone of the article should remain professional, respectful, and objective. While the nature of an “In Memoriam” article may invite emotional reflection, it should maintain the formal style appropriate for academic publications.
  2. Avoid overly sentimental language or speculative statements about the individual’s life or contributions that are not grounded in verifiable facts.

IX.       Permissions and Rights

  1. Authors must confirm they have secured the necessary permissions to publish any private or unpublished material, including photos, letters, and correspondence.
  2. If the article includes any copyrighted material, authors must ensure proper permissions or use of fair use as applicable.

X.        Editing Process; Final Review and Approval

  1. The editor-in-chief may request editorial assistance from the authors or from the journal’s advisory board to assist with any additional workload related to the article, particularly if being published outside of the journal’s ordinary tri-annual publication schedule.
  2. The editor-in-chief or senior editorial team will conduct the final review to ensure the article meets the journal’s standards for academic quality, respectfulness, and relevance.
  3. If necessary, the editorial team may suggest revisions or adjustments before approval for publication.

XI.       Publication Timeline

  1. Articles in memoriam may be published as stand-alone pieces or as part of a special issue. Submission timelines may vary depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the passing of the individual.
  2. The journal reserves the right to limit the number of articles in memoriam and/or issues related to articles in memoriam in any given year. Articles in memoriam are considered a special exception to the journal’s normal content and publication schedule and may not necessarily appear on a regular or even an annual basis.
  3. Authors should aim to submit the article promptly to ensure timely publication, but the journal will offer flexibility in cases where the timing of submission is impacted by external factors.

By following these guidelines, we aim to honor the life and work of the individuals who have shaped the bankruptcy, commercial law, and legal fields. Please contact the editor-in-chief with any questions or requests additional information.