Judicial Approaches in Plagiarism Litigation: Lessons for Universities in East Africa

Abstract

The escalation of plagiarism in universities and subsequent litigations by postgraduate students seeking to challenge universities’ decisions through courts of law worldwide are noticeably increasing. This article reviews trends in plagiarism-related litigations involving postgraduate students in universities in East Africa. The focus is on select universities in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The objective is to determine the approaches that courts of law in the region, and those in other jurisdictions, have adopted in developing legal principles while determining plagiarism-related litigations. The recommendations advanced seek to assist courts in the region to determine cases in accordance with emerging and well-defined legal principles on plagiarism amplified in numerous precedents. The exposition can also inform university authorities to discharge their respective roles more effectively and diligently while dealing with plagiarism-related disciplinary cases. Potential student litigants can also be in a better position to make logical and informed choices with confidence on decisions arrived at by universities.