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Digital Assets in the US: Legal, Theoretical, and Regulatory Dimensions

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Digital Assets in the US: Legal, Theoretical, and Regulatory Dimensions (1098): Digital assets are increasingly important financial tools with unique affordances and unexpected legal implications--and, more now than ever, a rapidly-changing regulatory environment. This class will explore the current US digital asset landscape in great detail, with a focus on emerging legal considerations. We will trace a lineage from the historical advent of money through modern central bank digital currencies, with stops along the way to examine stablecoins, blockchains & cryptocurrencies, other early internet currencies such as eCash & Beenz, and even the intersection between AI and digital assets. Additionally, we will explore abstract but critical topics that fall out of tokenization (e.g., the notion of justice in an increasingly digital world), as well as the legal and philosophical perspectives behind the very notion of "money." Each week, we will have legal, technical, and/or philosophical readings, touching on law, economics, jurisprudence, computer science, and history. Coming out of this class, students will have a deep understanding of cutting-edge financial technologies, the risks & opportunities inherent in digital money, and the regulatory pressures that are currently affecting the development and distribution of digital assets in the US. The course is designed to be non-technical (in fact, no particular background is required), although students will become fluent in the technology over the quarter. This class will be appealing to anyone interested in emerging technology, financial regulation/policy, privacy, or economics--or anyone who is concerned that the world is turning dystopian and wants to learn how technology can help. After the term begins, students accepted into the course can transfer from section (01) into section (02), which meets the R-paper requirement, with consent of the instructor. Elements used in grading: Class participation; final exam or final research paper.

Sections

Digital Assets in the US: Legal, Theoretical, and Regulatory Dimensions | LAW 1098 Section 01 Class #28401

  • 3 Units
  • Grading: Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
  • 2025-2026 Winter
    Schedule No Longer Available
    • 1L: Winter Elective (Open to First-Year JD Students)
    • Course Type: New Course
  • Exam:
    • Extended Take-Home Exam
  • Exam:
      • Extended Take Home
      • Self Scheduled
    • Room: REMOTE
    • @
  • Learning Outcomes Addressed:
    • LO1 - Substantive and Procedural Law
    • LO2 - Legal Analysis and Reasoning
    • LO4 - Ability to Communicate Effectively in Writing
  • Course Category:
    • Business Law

Notes: New Course.

  • 2025-2026 Winter
    Schedule No Longer Available

Digital Assets in the US: Legal, Theoretical, and Regulatory Dimensions | LAW 1098 Section 02 Class #28558

  • 3 Units
  • Grading: Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
  • 2025-2026 Winter
    Schedule No Longer Available
  • Enrollment Limitations: Consent
  • Graduation Requirements:
    • R -Research Requirement for Law Degree
  • Learning Outcomes Addressed:
    • LO1 - Substantive and Procedural Law
    • LO2 - Legal Analysis and Reasoning
    • LO3 - Ability to Conduct Legal Research
    • LO4 - Ability to Communicate Effectively in Writing
  • Course Category:
    • Business Law

  • 2025-2026 Winter
    Schedule No Longer Available
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