Appeals and Complaints

The Caucasian Medical Journal is committed to maintaining fairness, transparency, and integrity in the editorial process. Appeals and complaints are managed in alignment with guidelines set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Grounds for Appeals and Complaints

Authors may appeal editorial decisions if they believe a significant error occurred in the decision-making process or if there is substantial evidence that the decision was based on an inaccurate assessment of the manuscript's scientific content. Appeals related solely to disagreements with reviewers' or editors' subjective evaluations without clear evidence will typically not be considered.

Complaints may pertain to issues concerning editorial conduct, procedural irregularities, ethical concerns, or perceived unfair treatment during the editorial process.

Submission of Appeals and Complaints

Authors wishing to lodge an appeal or complaint should submit a detailed letter directly to the Editor-in-Chief via email at editor@caucasianmedj.com. This communication should clearly outline:

  • Specific reasons for the appeal or complaint, including clear justification or evidence
  • Manuscript title and reference number
  • Relevant correspondence or documents supporting the appeal or complaint

Processing Appeals and Complaints

All appeals and complaints will initially be reviewed by the Editorial Board to determine the validity and merit of the request. The Editorial Board may consult external experts or COPE resources when necessary.

The Editor-in-Chief, after careful consideration of all relevant information, will make the final decision regarding the appeal or complaint. Authors will be informed of this decision promptly and provided with clear explanations for any actions taken or not taken.

Timeframe

Authors can expect acknowledgment of their appeal or complaint within 7 working days of submission. A detailed response regarding the outcome will be provided within 30 days, unless exceptional circumstances require additional time, in which case the authors will be informed accordingly.

Confidentiality

All appeals and complaints will be handled confidentially. Information regarding appeals and complaints will be disclosed only to individuals directly involved in their evaluation and resolution.

The Caucasian Medical Journal remains dedicated to addressing appeals and complaints promptly, fairly, and transparently, ensuring the integrity of the scientific record and editorial standards.