Scholarly debate after publication helps keep the scholarly record accurate. In line with the COPE guidance on post-publication discussions and corrections, Jurnal Esensi Hukum accepts comments, questions, criticism, and alternative interpretations of the data, methods, legal arguments, and conclusions of articles it has published. The purpose of this process is to protect the integrity of the literature, not to punish authors.

How to submit

Send an email to esensihukum@upnvj.ac.id with the subject line "Post-Publication Discussion: [article title]". Please include:

• your full name, affiliation, and email address;
• the article details: title, author names, volume and issue, and DOI;
• a clear comment with its basis or evidence, such as data, court decisions, legislation, or literature;
• a statement of any competing interests.

How we handle it

1. The editorial office acknowledges receipt within 7 working days.
2. The Editor-in-Chief assesses the comment against the article and its scholarly basis.
3. The authors of the article are invited to respond within 30 days.
4. The editorial board may consult independent reviewers or other experts.
5. The Editor-in-Chief decides on follow-up and informs the sender and the authors.

Possible outcomes

• No action: the comment does not show a problem with the article. The editorial office explains its reasons to the sender.
• Published discussion: a comment of scholarly value and the authors' reply may be published as a letter to the editor, or as a comment and reply in a later issue.
• Correction or Expression of Concern: handled under the Corrections and Expression of Concern sections of the Retraction Policy.
• Retraction: handled under the Grounds for Retraction, Retraction Process, and Retraction Notice sections. Allegations of plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, or other research misconduct follow the retraction process. See Allegation of Research Misconduct.

Rules for comments

Comments must be scholarly, courteous, and cite verifiable grounds. The editorial office does not process personal attacks, unsupported comments, or comments without a verifiable sender identity. It keeps the sender's identity and the content of the comment confidential until a decision is made, except where disclosure is needed to respond to an allegation. The authors of the article may respond to every comment before the editorial board decides.