Calata, Jasmin Joy G.

LLB4103
Plagiarism: The Issue
A good writing requires researching relevant topics related to and material for the
discussion to support details and decision making. Due to numerous references,
researchers or writers often forget to include citing the authors, thus, making them liable
of plagiarism. Plagiarism comes from Latin word plagiarius meaning kidnapper or to
denote someone stealing someone elses work. With or without intention, in good or bad
faith, a person does not exempt from being accountable of this crime. Plagiarism is said
to be illegal and crime apparently because of copying someones intellectual property
without his/her consent or with no due acknowledgment of his/her work.
Writing, as a form of communication, must purport justice and reliability. It is a
medium where one is informed through or taught about the current issues prevailing in
this global society. In judicial system, this is used to convey the decisions acted upon on
a trial, where a judge or a lawyer is expected to perform, aside from his sole duty to
interpret and enact the laws, with all his conscience and morality to render a service
accordingly. The law makers and enforcers mirror the system of justice in triumph in this
country.
A renowned Philippine Associate Justice was engaged in this crime but later on is
being absolved from the charge for no malicious intention was found and it was merely
Microsoft Words fault (Dedace, 2011) But finding at least 20 more times plagiarizing the
decision on comfort women (In the matter of the charges of plagiarism, etc., against
Associate Justice Mariano C. Del Castillo, 2010) must stir up an opposition to the
verdict relayed. This must be an eye-opener to shun the recurrence of this judicial
scandal. As Dr. Payoyo emphasized to plead for the cause of competent legal
research (Cabreros, 2011) is mandatory for lawyers to beseech.
Ignorance of the law excuses no one. Lawyers even laymen are aware of this so
there is no excuse to make in case one is pounded in a situation. A lawyer acts in
accord of a legal basis. The legality of actions exalts the judiciary from an exemplifying
character possessed by its members. Legal research is crucial and must be done warily.
References:
Cabreros, R.A. (January 25, 2011). New Findings on Plagiarism of SC Justice.
Retrieved from http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/01/25/11/new-findings-plagiarism-scjustice

Dedace, S.R. (October 18, 2010). SC justice: Ruling on plagiarism case to set a bad
precedent. Retrieved from

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/203745/news/nation/sc-justice-ruling-onplagiarism-case-to-set-a-bad-precedent
Legal Materials:
IN THE MATTER OF THE CHARGES OF PLAGIARISM, ETC., AGAINST ASSOCIATE
JUSTICE MARIANO C. DEL CASTILLO, A.M. No. 10-7-17-SC (October 10, 2010).