What is a Norwich Order
Posted on May 23, 2025
In civil litigation, legal tools such as motions, injunctions, and other orders are used to facilitate the gathering of evidence, prevent harm, or enforce rights. Every order leveraged by civil litigation lawyers serves a specific purpose and influences the outcome of the case. These tools are there for civil lawyers to use strategically to protect your best interests and rights. Among these legal tools is the Norwich Order, which is a unique type of disclosure that is designed to help get third-party information from those not directly involved in the case or named in the suit to disclose relevant data and information in court. Norwich orders can be instrumental in cases that involve the internet and online fraud.
To learn more about how to navigate your civil case, book a complimentary legal consultation from our experienced fraud lawyers at Karrass Law. Robert Karrass and our team of experts will provide personalized legal advice and guidance.
Here is what you should know about Norwich Orders and when they can be leveraged in your case. For more insight, talk to our legal experts at Karrass Law.
The Basics of a Norwich Order
Also known as a Norwich Pharmacal Order, a Norwich order is a court-directed legal remedy that can be used in civil litigation cases in the form of pre-action discovery or a preservation order that can be applied for through the Superior Court in Ontario. Unlike most other pre-action orders, they are aimed at third parties.
This type of order is particularly valuable in cases involving fraud, defamation, intellectual property violations, and online misconduct where the identity of the wrongdoer is unknown. For example, in a credit card fraud case, a Norwich Order might be used to compel a financial institution to disclose the identity of the account holder who received funds transferred using stolen credit card information. This information would allow the victim to initiate a legal claim against the perpetrator.
When Is a Norwich Order Used?
A Norwich Order is not granted lightly or easily in Ontario courts. The court will typically require the applicant to demonstrate that:
- A legal wrongdoing has occurred or is reasonably suspected.
- The third party from whom information is sought was somehow involved (knowingly or unknowingly).
- The information you’re seeking via the Norwich Order is necessary for the pursuit of justice.
- The order is not being used as a fishing expedition.
- The disclosure is proportionate and does not cause unnecessary harm to the third party.
- If these conditions are met, a judge may issue the order. A civil litigation lawyer is instrumental in drafting the application and arguing its necessity before the court.
How a Norwich Order Can Affect Fraud Cases
Norwich Orders are particularly effective in uncovering the parties behind complex frauds where direct evidence is more difficult to obtain. For instance, in credit card fraud, a victim might see unauthorized transactions leading to an unknown bank account. To identify the fraudster, a civil litigation lawyer can apply for a Norwich Order compelling the receiving financial institution to release the account holder’s identity.
Similarly, in mortgage or Ponzi scheme frauds, investors or victims may not initially know who orchestrated the deception. If a mortgage broker, for example, submitted forged documents to a lender, a Norwich Order could be used to compel the lender to share internal records or communications that help trace the fraud back to a specific individual or company. In the case of Ponzi schemes, where victims are often defrauded by a central figure operating through multiple shell companies, a Norwich Order might force a payment processor or service provider to disclose account details and transaction histories.
Strengthen Your Civil Litigation with Strategic Legal Representation at Karrass Law
At Karrass Law, our experienced civil lawyers are well-versed in all the legal tools at their disposal. Based on the details of your case, we can leverage Norwich Orders and other relevant legal action to help get you the best possible outcome for your case. To build a strong legal strategy, book a consultation with our lawyers.