Smart or Dishonest? Plagiarism and use of Writing Technologies: An Increasing Problem for Training Students for the Legal Profession

Abstract

In every academic community the most important value they hold on to and always work towards promoting among the students and the educators is what is termed academic honesty. In this light, Plagiarism and the use of automatic essay- writing technologies and services, are an increasing problem for universities and other educators training students for the legal profession. Plagiarism and the use of automatic essay-writing technologies and services are generally considered dishonest practices, rather than signs of intelligence or cleverness. While these practices may help students to achieve better grades or meet deadlines more easily, they ultimately undermine the value of education and the learning process. This paper explained the concept of what plagiarism is, and interrogated whether it is smart or dishonest. The paper thereafter examined what writing technologies and services are, and analyzed whether they are smart or dishonest. The paper then scrutinized the forms of plagiarism and use of writing technologies and services. Thereafter, the paper set out the consequences of plagiarism, and the consequences of the use of writing technologies and services. Finally, the paper analyzed the problems created by Plagiarism and use of writing technologies and services in the legal education, and then concluded.