Property rights can exist in a world without formal government. Primates have innate understanding of fairness. The idea of ownership of something predates th

Property rights can exist in a world without formal government. Primates have innate understanding of fairness. The idea of ownership of something predates the system of judge and jury, modern government, and even the presence of humans [1]. If someone takes your personal property, you have the right to take it back. It needn't be recognized by some formal entity. People can already "do the opposite." Hooded men in the middle of the night could try to take your possessions. The odds the police will show up in time is slim; at least in the US especially in rural areas your only chance is to take retaining your possessions in your own hands. Removing governmental restraint just prevents you from being convicted in court if you act directly instead of using the gun of a policeman. This is why in places like Texas is it legal to shoot someone for trespassing on your land and taking your property; some would argue that should extend to your virtual property such as bitcoin. [1] See citations regarding primate behavior ("property in primates") in https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/214043811.pdf https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/214043811.pdf