Reasoning by analogy: Can a jury understand Ethereum?

A trial in New York will determine if blockchain code is considered law, involving brothers Anton and James Peraire-Bueno, accused of exploiting Ethereum for $25 million. During closing arguments, the defense argued that the brothers acted within Ethereum's rules, likening their actions to stealing a base in baseball, while prosecutors claimed they used deception in a 'bait and switch' scheme. The defense aims to make complex Ethereum mechanics relatable through analogies, including cooking examples to help the jury. Meanwhile, the prosecution referenced everyday penalties, unsettlingly comparing it to airline baggage fees, representing an attempt to simplify. The jury's decision could have profound implications for the crypto landscape; a guilty verdict might imply the need for external regulation of Ethereum’s operations. This case encapsulates the tension between technical blockchain operations and legal interpretations, with possible severe consequences for the defendants if found guilty.

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