So,
1) If they hacked into my machine and stole the private key; (illegal)
2) If they sniped the pk while snooping on a public access connection; (illegal)
3) If they brute forced the private key into existence; (not illegal)
4) If they snapped a shot of my private key qr code over my shoulder at an ATM. (not illegal)
What if I claimed an address on the block chain with a signature and 3 or 4 happened? Would I have a case then?
If 3) happens then all Bitcoins become worthless and the question would become: If I take something which is worth nothing is it illegal?
Well I guess you could argue that even though all Bitcoins are now worthless they still might have sentimental value.
Haha well I doubt we'll get there anytime soon s don't you worry
you just keep on HODLing. It is illegal to steal digital goods. It's a fact. But to others' points, the authorities will most likely do nothing or start a haphazard investigation and in the end getting your $500 back from a hacker off the coast of Taiwan won't be a priority. Giving those punk kids their $150 speeding tickets will meet the quota nicely
Great justice system huh, "make sure you arrest about this many people"
Back to the subject though, authorities would most likely just brush anything being digitally stolen as things they "don't have jurisdiction over" so why even bother? sure it's illegal to steal things, physical or digital, but if the authorities don't follow up then whats been stolen is just gone.