Peer Review Process

All research articles, reviews and case reports submitted to the Journal of Clinical and Forensic Traumatology (JCFT) undergo double-anonymous peer review: the identities of authors and reviewers are not disclosed to each other.

Editorial screening

Each submission is first assessed by the editors for fit with the journal scope, compliance with the author guidelines, ethical approvals and text similarity. Manuscripts that do not meet these requirements may be returned to the authors or declined without external review.

External review

Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are sent to at least two independent external reviewers with recognised expertise in the field. Reviewers must not have a conflict of interest with the authors, including shared institutional affiliation or recent co-authorship, and are asked to evaluate originality, methodological soundness, validity of the conclusions, clarity and relevance to forensic and clinical practice using the JCFT review form.

Editorial decision

On the basis of the reviewers' reports the handling editor recommends acceptance, minor revision, major revision or rejection. Revised manuscripts may be returned to the original reviewers. The final decision rests with the Editor-in-Chief or with the handling editor to whom the manuscript has been delegated.

Submissions by editors

Manuscripts authored by members of the editorial team or by colleagues from the same institution as the handling editor are assigned to an independent editor; the authoring editor has no access to the review process and no role in the decision.

Appeals

Authors may appeal an editorial decision by writing to editor@jcftjournal.com with a reasoned explanation. Appeals are considered by an editor not involved in the original decision.