Plagiarism: according to the Oxford Dictionary, plagiarism means, “to take and use another person’s ideas or writings or inventions as one’s own.” The definition is “word for word” or “paraphrasing. “Plagiarism is a serious form of cheating. Plagiarism is both an educational & ‘legal’ problem.

Procedures Dealing with Suspected Cases of Plagiarism

Majority of cases are likely involved “minor lapses” rather cases of intentional plagiarism, & it’s most appropriately dealt with as part of the learning process.  A minor lapse may stem from genuine ignorance of what is legitimate or how to acknowledge sources properly.  Dealing with such cases is therefore part of the learning process, & dealt with as “bad practice,” as any other piece of sub-standard work.  A few minor lapses in a piece of course work should be considered in the assessment of the work depending of the situation an opportunity may be provided to redo the work. However, further plagiarism will attract penalties.