Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2019
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1628/jite-2019-0021
Abstract
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.
Recommended Citation
Jens Frankenreiter,
The Limits of Smart Contracts,
175
JITE
149
(2019).
Available at:
https://scholarship.law.columbia.edu/global_markets_corporate_ownership/5