This course allows students to apply the knowledge they have learned in Blockchain & Legal Innovation I to solving systemic legal problems by completely re-imagining how particular relationships or transactions can be automated by fusing traditional legal services with the "Lex Automagica" tech-stack of blockchain, digital assets, smart contracts and AI. 

The course includes initial workshops and a case study. Then the focus is on mentor-assisted team-based projects, applying knowledge from the previous course to the problem of designing specific solutions. The major assessment is a research or whitepaper addressing the technical and regulatory barriers to an original, innovative, and holistic solution to a systemic legal problem, such as digital identity, blockchain-based real estate, online dispute resolution, international trade, money, finance and securities, government regulation and oversight, or any of the other potential use-cases for blockchain and smart contract technology.

To develop their knowledge and skills, students will participate in interactive classes, individual mentoring sessions with the convener and will also have opportunities to participate in collaborative learning by undertaking team research projects.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Research and critically analyse the technical, legal, and policy issues involved in applying blockchain, digital assets, smart contracts, and AI to automate any given relationship, transaction or regulatory area.
2. Synthesise and apply legal and technical knowledge to address major technical, legal or regulatory barriers and propose viable, innovative solutions to legal problems.
3. Plan and conduct a project to research and critically analyse real-world, systemic legal problems and develop solutions to these problems using blockchain, digital assets, smart contracts and AI.

Research-Led Teaching

This course is based on Scott's original research and thinking on the concept of “Lex Automagica” – the technology that has the potential to power our societies like clockwork. It is part of a research program funded by Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative. The research investigates whether and to what extent technologies like blockchain, digital assets, smart contracts and AI can (and should) automate legal and regulatory relationships. The research outputs are a mixture of theoretical papers on legal issues around the “Lex Automagica” tech-stack and practical white papers and working code detailing potential use-cases for blockchain and smart contracts in the legal sphere. Through this course, students will be introduced to latest thinking and software developed through Scott’s research and have their own chance to apply the legal technology to their own proposal for innovating or reinventing a meaningful legal process. This year, given the advancement in AI-assisted coding tools, students will also have the option of coding and showcasing a working prototype of their final project under Scott's guidance.

Additional Course Costs

Students wishing to take advantage of the optional benefit of producing a working code prototype of their project will need access to a suitable LLM/AI Agent

Required Resources

Students wishing to take advantage of the optional benefit of producing a working code prototype of their project will need access to a suitable LLM/AI Agent

Recommended Resources

• DE FILIPPI, P. & WRIGHT, A (2019). BLOCKCHAIN AND THE LAW. [S.l.]: HARVARD UNIV PRESS.

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

You will be given written and/or oral feedback pointing out things that have been done well and those that could be done better or differently. You will be given written or oral feedback following any submission of an assessment. This is typically available 1-4 weeks after submission of the assessment. You may seek further elaboration on any feedback - either from your marker or by the Convenor. If you feel that your feedback and grade does not reflect your performance, please contact the Convenor in writing and outline your concerns. Your submission will be re-marked by a new examiner.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).

Extensions, late submission and penalties: https://law.anu.edu.au/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Extenuating circumstances: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/extenuating-circumstances-application

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Penalties for excess word length:https://law.anu.edu.au/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Distribution of grades policy: https://law.anu.edu.au/grading

Assessment Reviews and Appeals: https://law.anu.edu.au/assessment-review-and-appeals

Further information about the course: is available from the course Canvas page. Students are required to access the Canvas site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The ANU Academic Integrity website (https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills/academic-integrity) provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as providing clear guidance on the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.

The following resources may also be useful:

• The ANU Library's Libguide (https://libguides.anu.edu.au/generative-ai) is a valuable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in academia.

• The ANU Academic Skills site (https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills) provides useful information to ensure that you leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

• The ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy Academic Integrity and Misconduct site (https://law.anu.edu.au/academic-integrity-and-misconduct) provides content related to legal implications, ethical guidelines, and considerations when dealing with AI in the context of law.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Legal Engineering: The Overview Lecture 1: Course Overview & Introduction to Legal Engineering Lecture 2: The Legal Engineering Methodology	In line with the University’s recording policy, lectures will be recorded and made available for students on Echo360.However, lecture recordings are only an additional resource and they should not be taken as a substitute for regular attendance. If a recording does fail, there is no guarantee a replacement recording will be provided.Tutorial 1 : Introductory Legal Engineering Exercise
2	Principles of Legal Engineering Lecture 3: Problem definition, Magic Wand Cost, and Idiot Index Lecture 4: Gamification of Legal Processes	Tutorial 2 : Assessing 3 Candidate Reform Areas
3	The Legal Engineering Toolkit Lecture 5: XRPL + Xahau Networks: hooks, issued assets, URITokens, remarks, escrow, remit, DEX, cheques, registries. Lecture 6: Evernode and AI: decentralised compute, agent hosting, persistence, LLMs, AI agents and AI juries.	Tutorial 3 : Applying Toolkit to The 3 Reform Options
4	The Legal Engineering Building Blocks Lecture 7: Registries, Oracles, Money & Payments Lecture 8: AI Agents, Identity, Tokenisation, Wallets	Tutorial 4 : Applying Building Blocks to The 3 Reform Options
5	The Legal Landscape - Legal Issues and Pitfalls to Navigate Lecture 9: DAF Act, Securities, Money, Wrapping. Autonomous AI Lecture 10: Oracles, Bridges, Exchanges, DAOs & Legal Vehicles	Tutorial 5 : Assessing Legal Pitfalls for The 3 Reform Options
6	Synthesis Lecture 11: Engineering Legal Outcomes Lecture 12: Drafting Reform Proposals	Tutorial 6 : Drafting Reform ProposalsAssessment 1 Due
7	Assessment Feedback + Designing Around Legal Constraints Lecture 13: Assessment Feedback & Common Weaknesses Lecture 14: Designing Around Legal Constraints	Tutorial 7 : Project design & Vibe-coding Clinic
8	Solving the Problem of Identity Lecture 15: The Problem of On-Chain Identity Lecture 16: Solving On-Chain Identity: Self-KYC	Tutorial 8 : Demonstration - Designing & Vibe-coding Identity
9	Solving the Problem of Real World Data Lecture 17 The Problem of Oracles & Real World data Lecture 18: Oracle & Bridge Design Options	Tutorial 9 : Demonstration - Designing & Vibe-coding an Oracle
10	Solving the Problem of Money, Payments and Wallets Lecture 17 The Problem of Money, Payments & Wallets Lecture 18: Abstracting Away Wallet Complexity	Tutorial 10 : Demonstration - Designing & Vibe-Coding Wallets
11	Solving the Problem of Dispute Resolution Lecture 17 The Problem of Dispute Resolution Lecture 18: Autonomous AI Dispute Resolution Mechanisms	Tutorial 11 : Demonstration - Designing & Vibe-coding a Dispute Resolution Mechanism
12	Student Draft Presentations & Feedback	Student Draft Presentations & Feedback

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials / seminars so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the My Timetable webpage .

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Minor Research Paper	40 %	27/08/2026	06/09/2026	1,2
Major Research Paper	60 %	22/10/2026	*	1,2,3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

For all courses taught in any mode (whether face to face or online), the ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy considers participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the program. Students are expected to attend all classes.

Examination(s)

There is no final examination for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Minor Research Paper

Details of Task: Individually describe & present 3 proposed solutions to 3 three different systemic legal problem using the “lex automagica” tech-stack.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 40%

Word Limit: 3,200 words, not including footnotes and bibliography. The ANU School of Law Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Due Date: 5pm, Thursday 27 August 2026. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply.

Submission Requirements: Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted. Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.

Estimated Return Date: 06 September 2026

Assessment Criteria:

Understanding of the Issues

• addresses the question and covers all the important points
• evidence of close consideration of the question and the research materials drawn on
• issues raised by the topic are clearly and concisely identified
• material chosen relates clearly to the topic and is analysed not just summarised or quoted extensively

Communication & Development of Argument

• clear theme or argument
• arguments logical and well-organised
• ideas/paragraphs linked coherently

Argument/Analysis

• originality of ideas and critical analysis of the material
• complexity and insight in dealing with theory/ideas
• suggestions for change where appropriate
• interdisciplinary perspective where appropriate
• addressing opposing arguments
• well-reasoned conclusions

Research

• research covering primary and secondary materials
• good organisation of sources and ability to synthesise all the research materials used
• use of theoretical material where appropriate
• range of research sources
• integration of material from research resources into the essay

Presentation, style and referencing

• good use of structure, section headings and paragraphs
• clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging of reader
• use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling
• full and accurate footnotes together with a bibliography
• style according to Australian Guide to Legal Citation
• adherence to word limit

Assessment Task 2

Major Research Paper

Details of Task: Submit your detailed proposal for a solutions to a systemic legal problem using the “lex automagica” tech-stack.

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.

Weighting: 60%

Word Limit: 4,800 words, not including footnotes and bibliography. The ANU School of Law Word Length and Excess Word penalties policy can be found here.

Due Date: 5pm, Thursday 22 October 2026. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply. Please be aware that if you are in your final course(s), any late submissions may delay your conferral date.

Submission Requirements: Your submission must be made in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files will not be accepted. Footnotes should be used for the referencing of all sources. All references should be compliant with the current edition of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation.

Estimated Return Date: Official end of semester results release date via Turnitin. 

Assessment Criteria:

Understanding of the Issues

• addresses the question and covers all the important points
• evidence of close consideration of the question and the research materials drawn on
• issues raised by the topic are clearly and concisely identified
• material chosen relates clearly to the topic and is analysed not just summarised or quoted extensively

Communication & Development of Argument

• clear theme or argument
• arguments logical and well-organised
• ideas/paragraphs linked coherently

Argument/Analysis

• originality of ideas and critical analysis of the material
• complexity and insight in dealing with theory/ideas
• suggestions for change where appropriate
• interdisciplinary perspective where appropriate
• addressing opposing arguments
• well-reasoned conclusions

Research

• research covering primary and secondary materials
• good organisation of sources and ability to synthesise all the research materials used
• use of theoretical material where appropriate
• range of research sources
• integration of material from research resources into the presentation

Presentation, style and referencing

• good use of structure, section headings and paragraphs
• clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging of reader
• use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling
• full and accurate footnotes together with a bibliography
• style according to Australian Guide to Legal Citation
• adherence to word limit

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. You must ensure that you upload the correct document on the specified submission due date and time. Any document modified after the due date and time will either incur a late penalty or will NOT be accepted. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education), submission must be through Turnitin in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). Electronic copies in .pdf file format are not acceptable.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

• Late submission is not accepted for tests or examinations.

• Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been granted an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time will be provided in writing. Importantly, any revised due date is inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date will be penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the task per 24-hour period.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

All marks and feedback will be provided by the return date listed in the class summary.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

• Maximum Submissions: Students can submit up to three times per assessment.

• Final Submission Counts: Only the last uploaded version will be marked — provided it is uploaded before marking begins.

• Late Submissions: If submitted after the due date, the final version will still be marked, but late penalties will apply (unless an extension has been approved).

• No Submissions After Return Date: Once the return-of-assessment date has passed, NO submissions will be accepted.

• Marking Already Started: If a marker has already begun marking a version, that version will be the one assessed — even if a newer one is uploaded later.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students