Robert Nozick's entitlement theory of justice, articulated in 'Anarchy, State, and Utopia,' is a historical, non-patterned theory that emphasizes individual rights, particularly property rights. Unlike patterned theories (e.g., utilitarianism or egalitarianism) that aim for a specific distribution of goods based on criteria like need or merit, Nozick argues that a distribution is just if it arises from a just process, regardless of the resulting pattern.

The theory rests on three main principles:

1. Principle of Justice in Acquisition: How unowned things can be justly acquired (e.g., by mixing one's labor with them, provided enough and as good is left for others).
2. Principle of Justice in Transfer: How justly acquired holdings can be justly transferred (e.g., through voluntary exchange, gifts, or inheritance).
3. Principle of Rectification of Injustice in Holdings: How past injustices in acquisition or transfer should be corrected.

According to Nozick, if everyone's holdings are justly acquired and justly transferred, then the resulting distribution, however unequal, is just. Any attempt by the state to redistribute wealth based on a 'patterned' principle (e.g., taxing the rich to help the poor) is seen as a violation of individual rights and an unjust interference with justly acquired holdings. This theory advocates for a minimal 'night-watchman' state, limited to protecting individuals against force, fraud, and theft, and enforcing contracts. It prioritizes liberty and individual property rights over distributive equality.