Academic Issues: Grades, Plagiarism, and Cheating in New Jersey Education Law

Academic integrity is crucial to a student’s educational journey, but disputes related to grades, accusations of plagiarism, and allegations of cheating can significantly impact a student’s future. At SGW, we provide expert legal support to students and families facing these challenging academic issues within New Jersey’s educational system.

New Jersey laws and school policies govern how academic disputes, including grading decisions and integrity violations, are handled. Our services in this area include:

• Grade Disputes: We assist students and parents in challenging unfair or erroneous grade determinations. Whether due to calculation errors, biased grading practices, or other issues, we work to ensure that grades accurately reflect the student’s performance and comply with school policies.
• Plagiarism Accusations: Being accused of plagiarism can have serious academic consequences. We provide legal representation to students accused of plagiarism, ensuring that the accusation is thoroughly reviewed, that the student’s rights are protected, and that the school follows proper procedures.
• Cheating Allegations: Allegations of cheating can lead to severe penalties, including suspension, expulsion, or academic probation. We advocate for students facing such accusations, challenging unfair or unsupported claims and seeking to mitigate any negative impact on the student’s academic record.
• Due Process in Academic Disputes: We ensure that students receive fair treatment and due process in all academic disputes, including the right to be heard and the right to appeal adverse decisions.
• Negotiating Resolutions: In cases where an academic issue threatens a student’s educational future, we work to negotiate alternative solutions, such as reduced penalties or opportunities for academic remediation.
• Preventing Future Issues: We also advise on best practices for academic integrity and help schools develop clear, fair policies to prevent future disputes over grades, plagiarism, and cheating.

At SGW, we are committed to protecting students’ academic rights and ensuring that any disputes are resolved fairly and in accordance with New Jersey law. With our extensive experience in education law, we provide the support and representation needed to navigate these complex issues and safeguard your academic future.