Recent technological innovations have created room for the construction and implementation of “Ricardian” contracts, which are robust, transparent, and efficient contractual structures that can be expressed and executed in software. This work discusses the scope and functions of such contractual structures and considers their wider implementation and use given their reduced transaction costs, faster dispute resolution, better enforceability and enhanced transparency.
Recent technological innovations have created room for the construction and implementation of “Ricardian” contracts, which are robust, transparent, and efficient contractual structures that can be expressed and executed in software. This work discusses the scope and functions of such contractual structures and considers their wider implementation and use given their reduced transaction costs, faster dispute resolution, better enforceability and enhanced transparency.