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The Limits Of Smart Contracts, Jens Frankenreiter
The Limits Of Smart Contracts, Jens Frankenreiter
Ira M. Millstein Center for Global Markets and Corporate Ownership
This essay investigates the potential of smart contracts to replace the legal system as an infrastructure for transactions. It argues that (contract) law remains relevant for most transactions even if they are entirely structured by way of smart contract. The reason for this is that the power of smart contracts to create and enforce obligations against attempts by the legal system to thwart their execution is limited. These limitations are most relevant for obligations to perform certain actions outside the blockchain, but also apply to other obligations contingent on facts outside the records stored on the blockchain.
Smart Contracts: Terminology, Technical Limitations And Real World Complexity, Eliza Mik
Smart Contracts: Terminology, Technical Limitations And Real World Complexity, Eliza Mik
Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law
If one is to believe the popular press and many “technical writings,” blockchains create not only a perfect transactional environment but also obviate the need for banks, lawyers and courts. The latter will soon be replaced by smart contracts: unbiased and infallible computer programs that form, perform and enforce agreements. Predictions of future revolutions must, however, be distinguished from the harsh reality of the commercial marketplace and the technical limitations of blockchains. The fact that a technological solution is innovative and elegant need not imply that it is commercially useful or legally viable. Apart from attempting a terminological “clean-up” surrounding …