Preemption

Definition ∞ Preemption is a legal doctrine where a higher authority’s law takes precedence over a lower authority’s law when the two conflict or when the higher authority intends to occupy the field. This principle establishes a hierarchy of legal power, ensuring uniformity in certain regulatory areas. It determines which governmental level has the ultimate say on a particular matter. This is a significant concept in federal legal systems.
Context ∞ In the context of digital asset regulation, preemption is a significant legal concept, particularly in federal systems like the United States. State-level crypto regulations could be preempted by future federal laws, potentially streamlining compliance but also limiting local innovation. The scope of federal preemption remains a key point of discussion among policymakers and industry stakeholders, influencing the regulatory landscape.