<P> Plagiarism, as defined in the 1995 Random House Compact Unabridged Dictionary, is the "use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work". In academia, this can range from borrowing without attribution a particularly apt phrase, to paraphrasing someone else's original idea without citation, to wholesale contract cheating . </P> <P> The modern concept of plagiarism as immoral and originality as an ideal emerged in Europe only in the 18th century, while in the previous centuries authors and artists were encouraged to "copy the masters as closely as possible" and avoid "unnecessary invention". The 18th century new morals have been institutionalized and enforced prominently in the sectors of academia (including academic science, education, engineering etc .) and journalism, where plagiarism is now considered academic dishonesty and a breach of journalistic ethics, subject to sanctions like expulsion and other severe career damages . Not so in the arts, which have resisted in their long - established tradition of copying as a fundamental practice of the creative process, with plagiarism being still hugely tolerated by 21st - century artists . Lawmaking is a professional field which is not structured around the concept of originality and for which plagiarism is less relevant . </P> <P> Plagiarism is not a crime but is disapproved more on the grounds of moral offence . It may be a case for civil law if it is so substantial to constitute copyright infringement . </P> <P> Since 2000, discussions on the subjects of student plagiarism have increased with a major strand of this discussion centring on the issue of how best students can be helped to understand and avoid plagiarism . Given the serious consequences that plagiarism has for students there has been a call for a greater emphasis on learning in order to help students avoid committing plagiarism . </P>

Name specific actions that constitute academic dishonesty why are they wrong