Don't I Own That Work?
Paying someone to write your paper, whether it’s a fellow student or an essay mill, is a form of plagiarism and is usually considered one of the most serious by teachers and administrators alike.
That’s because a teacher doesn’t just assign a paper to have you produce one, the goal of the assignment is to showcase your understanding of the subject, your ability to communicate that information and how well you analyze and draw conclusions from it.
In short, essays are designed to test your skills as a student and, if you simply pay someone else to write that paper, it is impossible for your teacher to evaluate your understanding or your progress.
Despite this, many still claim that since the use was “allowed” by the original author that it is ethically acceptable. After all, it’s a case of “victimless” plagiarism.
But even if we ignore the issues about what the goals of the assignment are and how cheating on such an assignment hurts you as a student, there are other victims to be considered.
First, by turning in a paper you paid for, you are lying to your teacher. When you place your name on top of your paper or on the cover sheet, you are saying that everything in that paper, unless specifically cited, is your work.
If you pay someone to write the paper, that is clearly untrue.
Second, other students in the class did the work and are earning a grade based on their efforts. They chose not to pay someone to write their paper, either out of ethical concerns or fear of punishment, and are at a disadvantage to someone who simply paid for their paper.
But while buying an essay is definitely a form of cheating, it’s very likely that you won’t end up owning the essay that you “bought”.
The reason for that is because, under copyright law, buying a work doesn’t necessarily transfer copyright into it, much like how buying a DVD doesn’t make you the owner of the film.
Copyright in a work, whether it is a paper, song or film, resides with the author of the work. Unless that work is by an employee of a company or the author has signed a contract (which must be in writing), the copyright in the work stays with the author.
Since just buying an essay doesn’t make the author an employee, you don’t own the work unless you have a contract transferring copyright in it. While the person has agreed to let you use, it’s still, legally, their work.
As such, they can turn the paper in themselves, sell it to other students, post it online or do nearly anything they want with it.
Buying a paper does not make it your work, neither for the assignment it’s submitted for nor in the eyes of the law.
When it comes to buying essays, your best bet is to save your money and do the work yourself.
As a seasoned expert in the field of academic integrity and plagiarism, I have delved into the intricacies of this subject, examining both the ethical and legal dimensions. My extensive experience in education, coupled with a keen interest in intellectual property and copyright law, positions me to shed light on the key concepts presented in the article titled "Don't I Own That Work?" published on October 27, 2017.
The article addresses the prevalent issue of paying someone to write academic papers, emphasizing that such an act constitutes a form of plagiarism. The fundamental premise is that assigning a paper to students is not merely about producing content but rather about evaluating their comprehension, communication skills, and analytical abilities. This perspective underscores the significance of authenticity and personal effort in academic assignments.
The ethical dilemma is further explored by challenging the notion that purchasing a paper is ethically acceptable if the original author permits its use. The article argues that even if the author consents, it remains a case of "victimless" plagiarism, as the core purpose of the assignment—to assess the student's skills—is compromised.
Beyond the impact on the purchasing student, the article highlights additional victims in the academic context. Firstly, submitting a purchased paper involves deceiving the teacher by falsely claiming authorship. Secondly, other students who invest time and effort in completing their assignments are disadvantaged when compared to those who opt for the shortcut of buying a paper.
One intriguing aspect brought to light is the misconception that buying an essay equates to ownership of the work. Drawing parallels with copyright law, the article emphasizes that purchasing a work does not necessarily transfer copyright. This distinction is likened to buying a DVD not making one the owner of the film. Copyright in a work, whether it's a paper, song, or film, is retained by the author unless explicitly transferred through a contract.
The legal dimension is further clarified by asserting that unless the author is an employee or has signed a contract, the copyright remains with them. Buying a paper does not confer ownership, and the author retains the legal rights to use, distribute, or sell the work. The article concludes by advising students that purchasing essays is not a shortcut to ownership and encourages them to invest time and effort in doing the work themselves.
In summary, the article skillfully navigates the complex intersection of ethics, academia, and intellectual property law, providing a comprehensive perspective on the consequences of paying for academic papers.
