What are special issues?

A special issue brings together a set of articles addressing a clearly defined topic. For the Law & Criminology Journal, this means contributions engaging with law, criminology, or topics at the intersection of both fields.

This publication format is particularly suitable where related research is developed collectively, for example in connection with a conference, workshop, or other scholarly event.

Each special issue includes an editorial introduction and at least four peer-reviewed research articles. They are published as part of the journal’s regular volume and issue structure and are subject to the same editorial standards and peer-review procedures as regular submissions.

Why guest edit a special issue?

Being a guest editor for a special issue helps you to:

Consolidate research initiatives
Special issues are well suited to research emerging from conferences, workshops, or funded projects. They provide a coherent format to present collective work to an international audience.

Define the timeline and call format
Guest editors have considerable flexibility in defining the timeline of the issue and can choose whether to work with an open call for papers or invited contributions.

Expand and strengthen your network
Guest editing fosters close collaboration with experts working on related topics and may lead to new research connections and future collaborations.

Increase academic visibility
A special issue can enhance your visibility, particularly when addressing a timely or interdisciplinary theme. The editorial introduction often becomes a key reference point within the debate.

Gain editorial experience
Guest editors gain first-hand insight into the workings of a diamond open access journal, including peer review, editorial standards, and publication processes — experience that can be valuable for future editorial or leadership roles.

Contribute to the debate
Special issues can bring coherence to emerging discussions and contribute to ongoing debates within a particular research area.

Proposing a special issue

Guest editors interested in submitting a proposal for a special issue can contact the editorial team at lcj@ugent.be. The editors will assess whether the proposed topic fits within the scope and aims of the journal.

Proposals should include:

• the topic and its rationale
• the intended scope and key questions to be addressed
• a tentative timeline
• the proposed guest editors, including contact details

If the authors are already known, short biographical notes may be included, alongside abstracts of the proposed articles. If not, LCJ can launch an open call for papers in collaboration with the guest editors.

Upon acceptance of a proposal, the editorial team will contact the guest editors to discuss further practical arrangements.