Surplusage Canon

Definition

A rule of statutory interpretation holding that courts should try to give meaning to every word in a statute, avoiding readings that make some words unnecessary or redundant. It is a guideline, not an absolute rule, and sometimes Congress does use redundant language.

Examples

• •Konan argues the government's broad reading of 'miscarriage' renders 'loss' and 'negligent transmission' entirely superfluous, violating this canon.

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