Plagiarism refers to the unauthorized use and representation of another author’s language, ideas, thoughts, or expressions as one’s original work. It is considered a violation of academic integrity and journalistic ethics, often resulting in penalties, suspensions, or even expulsion.

In recent years, instances of ‘extreme plagiarism’ have surfaced in academic circles. The concept of plagiarism being unethical gained prominence in Europe during the 18th century, particularly with the rise of the Romantic Movement, which emphasized originality.

While plagiarism is not classified as a crime, it can overlap with copyright infringement. Although both involve unauthorized use of someone else’s work, copyright infringement is defined and punished under copyright law, whereas plagiarism is governed by institutional policies set by organizations like educational institutions, professional bodies, and publishing companies.