Advancing the Student-oriented Model of Academic Publishing: The Case of Legal Studies in Hong Kong

Abstract

The Hong Kong Journal of Legal Studies and the City University of Hong Kong Law Review provide valuable case studies of the student-oriented model in the Hong Kong legal academic publishing context. The three essential features of student-oriented publishing are (1) run by students; (2) managed by students; and (3) a focus on the learning experience of student editors and authors. The recommended features of student-oriented publishing are (1) peer review by students; and (2) a focus on publication of student-authored articles. Student-oriented publishing encourages students to publish as authors and equips student editors with professional and personal skills. Student-oriented law journals benefit both the professional and the academic communities. This is less apparent in Hong Kong due to the local publishing landscape and a weak academic-practice connection. Student-oriented publishing can thrive in its own right and is complementary, rather than inferior, to publications run by senior academics and practitioners.

Keywords: academic publishing, students in academic publishing, academic publishing journal management

JEL Classification: K00, K10, K20, K30, K40, I23