Smart contracts executed on blockchain systems have spurred novel interest in the study of contract automation. In this interdisciplinary dialogue, we will explore both the technical and legal aspects of the automation of legal contracts within blockchains and beyond.
Dr. Eliza Mik (University of Melbourne and the Applied Research Center for Intellectual Assets and the Law in Asia at the Singapore Management University) will outline the legal aspects related to the automation of contract clauses along with key challenges and limitations.
Robert Norvill (Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), University of Luxembourg) will also approach the topic of smart contracts from the technical angle and outline perceived limitations and challenges in the area of contract automation in the context of blockchain systems with a focus on Ethereum.
About the speakers
Eliza Mik has taught courses in contract law and in the law of e-commerce at the Singapore Management University, the University of Melbourne as well as courses in FinTech and Blockchain at Bocconi University in Milan. In parallel with a line of research focused on distributed ledger technologies and smart contracts, she is involved in multiple projects relating to the legal implications of automation, the deployment of ‘intelligent agents’ in transactional environments as well as the burgeoning area of “Legal Design.”
Robert Norvill received his Master degree in Computer Science, from the University of Bradford, England, in 2016. His research interests include blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies. Robert joined the Service and Data Management in Distributed Systems group (SEDAN) headed by Dr. Radu State and he will be advised by the latter.