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Presumption of Consistent Usage
Definition
A principle of statutory interpretation that when Congress uses the same word in different parts of the same statute, it is presumed to mean the same thing in both places, unless context clearly indicates otherwise.
Examples
- •The government argues 'loss' must mean the same thing in the postal exception (2680(b)) as in the FTCA's waiver provision (1346(b)), where it clearly encompasses intentional deprivations.