Plagiarism is the taking of another's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. It is a matter of particular concern in an educational setting. While plagiarism per se is neither a criminal offence nor a tort, it can infringe upon intellectual property rights. Depending on the circumstances in which material is plagiarised and is used, e.g. where it is sold in contravention of copyright legislation Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 it can amount to a criminal offence and an actionable tort.
A person who is dissatisfied with the outcome of a legal case should consult with a legal practitioner on the options available.