the concept of absolute property rights or any rights of self-ownership may be challenged. In a lifeboat scenario where there are only eight places available but more than eight people who want to be saved, the question arises as to who should be saved and who should die. Some argue that any theory of rights breaks down in such situations, and therefore, there can be no concept of inviolable rights. However, Rothbard suggests that lifeboat situations are hardly valid tests of moral theories or theories of rights. Any moral theory is framed based on normal nature, and not on rare or extreme situations. The law also recognizes that "hard cases make bad law." Rothbard argues that property rights may still be applicable in a lifeboat situation if the owner of the boat or his representative has died, and no rules have been laid down for allocation of seats in such a crisis. The homesteading principle can then be applied, and the first eight people to reach the boat can be considered the proper "owners" and users of the boat. Anyone who throws them out of the boat violates the property right of the "homesteader" and becomes liable for prosecution for his act of aggression as well as perhaps murder. Rothbard argues that any other principle of allocation would be truly intolerable, and "women and children first" is morally unacceptable. Chapter 21, "The 'Rights' of Animals", argues against extending the concept of rights to animals. Rothbard asserts that the notion of human rights is not an emotional one, but a result of a rational inquiry into the nature of man and the universe. The ability to reason, make conscious choices, and participate in the division of labor are unique to humans, and thus, only humans possess natural rights. Rothbard also argues that the concept of natural rights is relative to the species man and that animals cannot be said to have rights because they cannot petition for them. Rothbard concludes that any concept of rights, criminality, or aggression can only apply to actions of one human being or group of human beings against other human beings. Part III: The State Versus Liberty Chapter 22, "The Nature of the State", argues that while the State performs many necessary functions, such as providing law and maintaining public services, this does not demonstrate that only the State can perform these functions or that it