Summary
The intent of this section is to provide software engineers, developers and users of the Hyperledger suite a basic working knowledge of contract law as it applies in the context of "smart contracts". References and further reading suggestions are provided below if the reader would like to expand their knowledge of the legal principles involved.
Disclaimer
This material is not intended to be, nor provided as, legal advice and the reader is encouraged to obtain their own legal advice on the topics discussed below. Neither the Linux Foundation, Members nor the authors accept any liability for any loss, damage or claims suffered or incurred in reliance of these materials which are provided "as-is" and for general educational purposes only.
Sections
Basic Principles of Contract under Common Law Countries (UK, Australia, NZ etc)
(to be completed)
Basic Principles of Contract under Civil Law Countries (EU)
(to be completed)
Basic Principles of Contract under US law
(to be completed)
Basic Principles of Contract under the laws of the PRC
(to be completed)
References
Norton Rose Fulbright, ‘Can smart contracts be legally binding contracts’, (full text can be requested at https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en/knowledge/publications/a90a5588/can-smart-contracts-be-legally-binding-contracts)
Further Reading
N. Szabo, Smart Contracts: Building Blocks for Digital Markets (1996) (http://www.fon.hum.uva.nl/rob/Courses/InformationInSpeech/CDROM/Literature/LOTwinterschool2006/szabo.best.vwh.net/smart_contracts_2.html)