Presenting someone else's words,
ideas, images, code, etc., as your own, whether intentional or not, is plagiarism.
Lack of knowledge is not a defense against plagiarism. Plagiarism is theft
- stealing someone's intellectual property
without crediting the source.
If you use another person's words, ideas, images, music, or other original
material in any document that you produce - essay, research paper, Web page,
brochure, or other work - you must acknowledge that author by documenting
your source. This is called citing your source.
Plagiarism misrepresents your work product and it violates the rights of the
original author. It is unethical, dishonest, and illegal. Intellectual property
is protected under the laws of the United States Government as well as the
rules and regulations of educational institutions. Colleges and universities
have strict rules against plagiarism. Breaking these rules can result in a
failing grade for the course, suspension, or even expulsion.
For more information, visit Plagiarism Q & A.
Last updated: Friday, 02-Jul-2004 14:57:08 EDT