Manuscript Length and Methodology

1. Research Articles

Original, unpublished doctrinal or empirical contributions presenting detailed research findings. Depending on the methodological approach, manuscripts must follow one of two structural models:

1.1. Academic IMRaD Article (Model A): Structured into introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusions (incorporating a research question and hypothesis where required by the study design). Use this structure for empirical, socio-legal, comparative, quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research.

1.2. Doctrinal, Dogmatic, or Theoretical Article (Model B): Structured into introduction, state of the art, conceptual framework, statutory/case-law context, argumentative analysis, and conclusions. Use this structure for dogmatic, doctrinal, theoretical, philosophical, historical, case-law, normative, or comparative legal research that does not follow an empirical IMRaD design.

Manuscript length must range between 6,000 and 12,000 words, including the main text and footnotes. Formatting requirements are detailed in Manuscript Preparation Guidelines. Manuscripts must follow the structural framework of Model A or Model B (depending on the study's methodological approach); using the Official Template as a formatting guide is strongly encouraged.

2. Documentary Sources and Legal Opinions (Model C)

Model C covers original transcriptions and analytical reviews of unpublished or rare documents of exceptional historical, normative, or doctrinal significance. Submissions must include a concise introductory analysis justifying the document's relevance to legal scholarship and follow the structural framework of Model C. Using the Official Template is strongly encouraged.

Word count for this article type depends on the nature of the source and is coordinated directly with the Editorial Team. Authors must submit a formal request to law.review.lpz@ucb.edu.bo, including full metadata of the original source (title or description, issuing author or institution, date of issuance, and originating archive or repository) along with a brief statement of academic relevance.

3. Critical Reviews and Book Reviews (Model D)

Model D features analytical evaluations of recently published specialized legal literature or works of major doctrinal significance. Submissions require prior approval from the Editorial Team. To propose a review, authors must send a formal request to law.review.lpz@ucb.edu.bo with full bibliographic metadata (author, title, publication year, and publisher). Manuscripts must follow the structural framework of Model D; using the Official Template is strongly encouraged.

Word count must range between 2,500 and 6,000 words, excluding the book’s bibliographic record and author details. Book reviews must not include footnotes or a reference list; if external citations are strictly necessary, parenthetical citations following APA 7th Edition guidelines (https://apastyle.apa.org) must be used. Detailed formatting requirements are outlined in Manuscript Preparation Guidelines.

4. Doctrinal Perspectives (Model E)

Model E features an analytical, reasoned, and critical stance on contemporary legal debates or major regulatory reforms within the journal's scope. Despite their reflective nature, manuscripts must follow the structural framework of Model E; using the Official Template as a formatting guide is strongly encouraged.

Word count must range between 4,000 and 8,000 words, including the main text and citations. Detailed formatting requirements are outlined in Manuscript Preparation Guidelines.