Course Catalogue

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Cryptolaw focuses on the law of blockchains and cryptoassets in its multiple iterations, from cryptocurrencies to NFTs, from Decentralised Autonomous Organisations to applications in administrative law. The course's ambition is twofold: to thematise and to critically reflect upon the relationship between law and code in regulating cryptoassets; to reflect upon the impact of cryptos on positive law

10 2-hour seminars throughout the semester

LLB students and visiting law students

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Assessment will be comprised of two components: a summative essay of 1250 words, which will also work as a formative exercise worth 25% of the final grade, and a final exam (2 hours) worth 75% of the final grade.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

■ To analyse the functioning and nature of blockchains and their relationship with law

■ To provide an overview of the historical development of this technology and the current state of legal regulations of cryptoassets

■ To provide insights on the legal nature of cryptoassets (currencies, contracts, property)

■ To enable students to critically evaluate the potential and limits for the law to regulate and steer contemporary technologies like blockchain

■ To provide students with experience in groups discussion

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ To Understand how the law contributes to the regulation of blockchain and how blockchain can regulate behaviour at times more effectively than positive law

■ To Demonstrate an ability to define key concepts in cryptolaw: blockchain, currency, digital assets, digital currency, NFT, DAO, CBDC

■ To Demonstrate knowledge of UK and Scottish approaches to the regulation of digital assets

■ To Demonstrate knowledge at the comparative level of the fundamental case law in several jurisdictions around cryptoassets

■ To Demonstrate the ability to construct critical arguments about the potential and the limits of legal regulation of cryptoassets

■ To assess critically the social and environmental impact of blockchains

■ To Apply their knowledge to complex legal issues surrounding the regulation or the adjudication of legal questions over cryptoassets

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.