Section 26-201 - Sales of academic papers. - Maryland Statutes

§ 26-201. Sales of academic papers.
 

(a)  "Academic paper" defined.- In this section, "academic paper" means any theme, essay, term paper, book report, report, thesis, dissertation, or other written assignment. 

(b)  Sale prohibited.- A person may not sell or offer for sale any assistance in the preparation, research, or writing of an academic paper if he knows that the buyer intends to submit the academic paper substantially unchanged to an educational institution as the original work of someone other than the author, in fulfilling the requirements for a degree, diploma, certificate, or course of study. 

(c)  Exceptions.- This section does not prevent: 

(1) An educational institution, or any of its faculty or staff, from offering courses, instruction, counseling, or tutoring in research or writing as part of a program authorized by the institution; 

(2) Any person from offering tutorial assistance that does not include the preparation, research, or writing of an academic paper intended for submission to an educational institution in fulfilling the requirements for a degree, diploma, certificate, or course of study; or 

(3) Any person from typing, transcribing, or reproducing a manuscript for a fee. 

(d)  Penalty.- Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or both. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 77A, § 70; 1978, ch. 22, § 2; 2006, ch. 44, § 6.]