Submissions
Article Submissions
The Michigan Journal of International Law accepts a wide variety of scholarship on issues of international law. Because we are only able to publish a handful of submissions per volume out of the hundreds of submissions we receive, we recommend that authors consider these general guidelines when submitting:
Authors
The Journal does not currently accept articles from current students or recent graduates (1–2 years out of school). Authors we publish typically have 3+ years of experience in their field. Submissions from people of color, women, and LGBTQ people are particularly encouraged. Current students and recent graduates are encouraged to submit notes for consideration (see below).
Article Topics
The Journal only publishes articles that address issues of international law. We do not accept articles whose primary focus is foreign, domestic, or comparative law. Although articles may include discussion of those issues, the article should primarily address an international legal issue (including but not limited to: International Criminal Law; International Humanitarian Law; International Human Rights Law; International Trade Law; and International Investment Arbitration). We are particularly interested in submissions that take innovative approaches to timely issues.
Article Length
The Journal expects most articles to be between 15,000 and 25,000 words, including footnotes. Although we are happy to consider articles that are slightly outside of that range, as a general rule, we do not consider submissions with less than 12,000 words.
Citations
As a scholarly publication, the Journal pays particular attention to the quantity and quality of the support given for an author’s argument. We expect submissions to conform to the rules of citation set out in The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation (21st ed., 2020), and, although we have no specific requirements, we recommend an approximate ratio of 2:1 for above-the-line text to below-the-line citations. The Journal also looks at the quality of the citations and expects a mix of secondary and primary source material.
Timing
The Journal publishes three times a year. The Journal has selected the remaining articles for Volume 46 and will reopen the Scholastica portal for submissions to Volume 47 in the spring.
How to Submit
The Journal prefers submissions through the Scholastica online submission system. If this submission method poses a financial burden, we will also accept articles sent to us at mjilarticles46@umich.edu. Please ensure that you have included a copy of your CV or resume with your article submission.
Due to the very high volume of submissions we receive, we can only respond to authors whose scholarship we are considering for publication. If you have received a time-sensitive offer of publication from another journal, please submit a request for expedited review on Scholastica.
Please contact us at mjilarticles46@umich.edu with any questions.
Note Submissions
MJIL considers submissions of notes by current students and new professionals (1-2 years of experience) several times a year. As with articles, we only consider publications on topics of international law. Submissions should typically be between 25-45 pages, double-spaced. Citations should conform to the rules of citation set out in The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation (21st ed., 2020). Please include an abstract and your CV or resume with your submission.
Call for notes: MJIL is now accepting student notes for Vol. 46. If you would like to be considered, please submit your draft to mjil46submitnotes@umich.edu by Tuesday, May 28, at 11:59 pm. We accept notes submissions from current law students, LLMs, and recent graduates. Notes will be selected no later than mid-June, and our notes team is committed to providing feedback on every note they receive.
Blog Submissions
MJIL will, at its discretion, consider submissions of works between 800 and 1,200 words by current students and professionals outside of Michigan Law for our Blog on a rolling basis. As with all of our content, we only consider blog posts on topics of international law, but authors are encouraged to write on emerging issues and current events. Citations should conform to the rules of citation set out in The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation (21st ed., 2020). External submissions to the blog should be ready to publish, and, if selected, will receive only minimal editing by the staff of the Journal.
MJIL is unable to accept external submissions for its blog at this time.
