We are excited to announce a significant step in online dispute resolution (ODR) as Jur’s Beta Platform has transitioned into the open-source domain. This move marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of blockchain-based ODRs, particularly in addressing micro claims through smart contract-based game theory.
The release of Jur’s Beta Platform as an open-source project signifies a commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the legal-tech community and we hope that this initiative will activate R&D efforts to push forward the creation of ODRs that address the issue of micro claims.
The Jur Beta Platform Overview
The Jur Beta Platform consists of two essential components: the Open Layer and an early iteration of the Jur Editor. The Open Layer, a pioneer in blockchain-based ODR, has gained recognition across academia, attracting attention from prestigious institutions participating in the Lab for New Justice program. The repository not only houses the Open Layer but also provides a glimpse into what was envisioned as the Jur Editor – a do-it-yourself smart legal agreement editor. Although the codebase has not seen recent updates, it serves as a foundation for potential advancements in the field.
Jur Beta Platform – Profile Page
The platform’s existing codebase is based on Solidity-based smart contracts deployed on the VeChain Thor network, supported by a Laravel API and a React-based frontend. However, it is essential to note that the codebase requires active development efforts to align with current standards and practices.
Jur Beta Platform Mechanics
The Jur Beta Platform aims to address micro claims through a voting system based on game theory and economic incentives. Designed to resolve disputes involving amounts up to USD 500.00 within a short timeframe (e.g., 72 hours), the system incentivizes voters by rewarding those supporting the majority position. This is achieved through staking $JUR tokens, aligning interests with fair and informed dispute resolution.
Token-Based Voting System
The Jur Beta Platform employs a unique token-based voting system that rewards voters based on the majority-side votes received in chronological order. The early voters are prioritised, encouraging careful assessment and discouraging last-minute decisions. Importantly, the system does not offer increased rewards for choosing unlikely propositions, ensuring a fair and unbiased voting process.
Integration with Legal Contracts
Parties involved in contracts can opt to attach their agreements to the Jur Beta Platform, depositing the agreed-upon consideration in the escrow smart contract. In case of non-compliance, the system automates dispute resolution based on submitted propositions and voting results. This automated enforcement mechanism eliminates the need for traditional court interventions.
Creating a Smart Contract
The Jur Beta Platform in Action
On November 7, 2019, at 7:35 PM CET, the Jur Beta Platform witnessed a historic transaction – the first sale of a vehicle on blockchain. Two private individuals, Stefan and Daniela, engaged in a $10,000 transaction in $JUR tokens through the Jur Beta Platform, utilising a smart escrow to exchange ownership of a Land Rover Defender. This transaction, compliant with Austria’s law, marked the inception of the world’s first DIY commercial contract creation on blockchain between private parties.
This unparalleled event not only showcased the versatility of the Jur Beta Platform but also established a worldwide record for validating contracts via blockchain. The involved parties successfully navigated the platform’s capabilities, highlighting its potential for hosting and resolving various contracts. For an in-depth exploration of this revolutionary transaction, you can delve into the comprehensive case study.
Porting the Jur Beta Platform to the Jur Chain
To encourage the development of the Open Layer, Jur extends an invitation to community members to collaborate in porting it to the new Jur Chain. The initiative is expected to garner support from the Jur Community, potentially receiving funding from the treasury. This collaborative approach aims to catalyse research and development endeavours focused on enhancing ODRs, specifically targeting micro claims.
As the platform continues its development through community-driven effort, its potential to revolutionise micro-claims resolution remains an exciting prospect. If you are interested in contributing to the advancement of Online Dispute Resolution technology, join the community on Discord.