Istotność niepozorności, czyli rozważania o smart contracts

Abstract

This article pertains to smart contracts, i.e. an innovative way of concluding contracts, which is a potential alternative to classic contracts based on civil law. In the first part of the text, to illustrate the possible revolutionary role of smart contracts, two examples of inconspicuous discoveries and changes in history that have led to fundamental transformations in the world are discussed. Then, the smart contracts are characterised in relation to other types of contracts in terms of how the agreements concluded with them are enforced. Furthermore, this paper discusses the technical properties of these contracts as well as the advantages and disadvantages resulting therefrom in relation to classic contracts based on civil law. The summary suggests the possible future development of smart contracts as a way of concluding contracts that complement and coexist with civil law.