Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and the Law

• Semester: Spring 2026
• Course ID: 296W
• Credit Hours: 2
• Unique: 29879

Registration Status: Closed

Description

Cryptocurrencies are eating the world. This course explores the evolving legal and regulatory landscape of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and smart contracts. We will examine the potential of cryptocurrency technology to disrupt traditional financial systems and underlying regulatory regimes and legal doctrine that underpins capital markets today. The course will also weigh the considerations for new legal frameworks and policy considerations. Key topics include the decentralized nature of blockchain, the rise of cryptocurrencies as alternative stores of value, and the challenges of integrating such technologies into heavily regulated areas of payments and financial services. We will also address concerns surrounding market volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and the potential impact on traditional financial institutions and monetary policy.

Required Textbook:

Stabile, Daniel T., Kimberly A. Prior, and Andrew M. Hinkes. Digital Assets and Blockchain Technology: U.S. Law and Regulation. Edward Elgar Publishing, 2020.