What punishments are there for plagiarism?

Answer 1

(Directly from an article)

""In an academic context, it's really about shame," says Corynne McSherry, an intellectual property attorney in San Francisco and author of "Who Owns Academic Work? Battling for Control of Intellectual Property." "You might be kicked out of your department, or if you're a student, you might get a failing grade. With copyright, you could be taken to court and have to pay damages.""

"Though plagiarism is not itself a legal offense, many aspects of the act can be construed as copyright infringement, says Glynn Lunney, a law professor at Tulane University. Because anything written is automatically protected by the Copyright Act of 1976, copiers can always be liable for the harm suffered by a person whose work was copied, he says. If an author has a registered copyright, copiers can be liable for legal fees and damages, which range from $750 to $30,000 per work copied. Those fines can rise to $150,000 if the copying is particularly egregious and willfully done."

(My own conclusions)

Summary:

-guilt

-fines/fees for 'copyright infringement'

-suspension

-expulsion

-failing grade in the course

(the last three depend on the school)

This information quoted from:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0511/p14s01-lire.html/(page)/2

Answer 2

In grade school, plagiarism results in a lower grade for that paper or writing, possibly even a failing grade (F) in the higher grade school years.

In high school, plagiarism on a major term paper could result in failing the subject for the year. High school students are expected to (1) know what plagiarism is and is not, (2) to abide by the rules for using other people's works and (3) to know how to ask a teacher for more explanation if needed.

In college or university, as an undergrad plagiarism can result in academic disciplinary action as well as a failing grade, either for that paper or for the entire course.

For Dissertations at the Master's Level, plagiarism would be totally unacceptable. The student's Advisor would likely spot plagiarism quickly. The student would not be permitted to defend (sit for "Orals") with a dissertation containing or riddled with plagiarism. Even one instance of plagiarism would call into question the student's honesty and professionalism. The rules that apply while "in school" also apply to professionals in the workplace or in academic circles.

Legally, the copyright holder can bring a Civil lawsuit against the person who has stolen the work.