Submissions for our Winter 2025 journal are OPEN.

Submission Guidelines

All manuscripts should be prepared with standard academic formatting and submitted as either a PDF or a Microsoft Word document. Text must be double spaced, written in a readable serif font, and supported by a complete citation system. Authors may use Chicago, Bluebook, or APA, as long as the chosen style is applied consistently throughout the piece. Papers typically range from 8 to 25 pages, not including references, and submissions that fall well outside this range may require adjustment before review.

Each submission should include a title, the author’s name, institutional affiliation, expected graduation year, and a brief abstract of roughly 100 to 200 words. Authors should also provide a short note describing the context in which the paper was written, such as a course assignment, independent research project, or personal inquiry. Accurate and complete citations are expected, and all sources must be properly acknowledged.

If an author is simultaneously submitting the work to another journal, they are responsible for notifying the Undergraduate Law Review at UC Davis if the piece is selected elsewhere. We do not publish material that has appeared in other publications.

Authors may submit more than one manuscript for consideration, provided each work is original and unpublished.

Submissions FAQ

Do you accept pitches?

No. We do not accept pitches or topic proposals. All submissions must be complete manuscripts that meet the stated guidelines. Authors who are unsure whether their topic is appropriate may review past issues for reference or contact us with general questions, but we do not review or approve ideas in advance.

How can I get published or contribute to ULR at UC Davis?

To be considered for publication, submit a completed manuscript through our submission form. All papers undergo an initial screening and a peer review process conducted by the editorial board. If accepted, authors work with editors to complete revisions before publication. Students may also contribute by joining the editorial board, assisting with editing, or volunteering at events and workshops.

Who can submit to the Print Journal?

The print edition accepts submissions from UC Davis undergraduates who are sophomore standing or above. First-year students are welcome to submit to the online publication, but they are not eligible for the print edition. Undergraduate students from other accredited universities may submit for online publication as well.

Do you give feedback on submissions that were rejected?

We provide limited feedback when possible, but detailed comments are not guaranteed. Feedback may include general guidance on clarity, research depth, structure, and topic relevance. Due to volume, not all submissions will receive written evaluations.

Are resubmissions allowed?

No. Revisions of a previously rejected paper cannot be resubmitted in later cycles. Authors are welcome to submit a different piece of writing during the next submission period.

Why was my submission rejected?

A submission may be rejected for several reasons. Common factors include unclear or unsupported arguments, insufficient research, lack of relevance to legal or policy issues, organizational problems, weak writing quality, or failure to meet formatting guidelines. A rejection is not a judgment on your ability as a writer. It simply means that the piece did not meet the journal’s criteria at this time.

I am not a political science major. Can I still submit?

Yes. We accept submissions from all majors. Legal scholarship benefits from diverse academic backgrounds, and we encourage work that connects law to other fields such as anthropology, sociology, environmental science, economics, international relations, community development, history, and many others. Your major does not affect your eligibility.