Academic dishonesty: To be or not to be?

Academic dishonesty has caught the attention of various researchers who document increases in its occurrence and variety. A review of empirical literature notes occurrence and types, especially of new kinds called “cybercheats.” Twenty-three law cases dealing with students who were charged with honor violations are also discussed throughout the paper. The paper discusses some of the newer problems of detection, i.e., cheating on tests in the classroom and cheating on outside assignments. Prevention is discussed in primary, secondary, and tertiary terms. Practical prevention strategies are offered from other criminal justice educators and an honor code coordinator who handled over 50 cases of dishonor for a large university. Prevention is important for professors because they have some control over the process and can help fend off a lawsuit, or when sued, defend oneself.