Punitive damages in a defamation case arejustified to punishapersonfor outrageousconduct which ismalicious, wanton, reckless, or in willfuldisregard foranother'srights.
Reducing the rights of responsible citizens to do virtually anything can be justified by those predisposed to do so if, overall, it will deny those rights to others who might act irresponsibly.
In the peculiar circumstances of Mr Patane's case that he told the arresting detective he already knew his rights it may seem justified that the gun should be admissible.