The system encourages countries to settle their differences through consultation. Failing
that, they can follow a carefully mapped out, stage-by-stage procedure that includes the
possibility of a ruling by a panel of experts, and the chance to appeal the ruling on legal
grounds. Confidence in the system is borne out by the number of cases brought to the
WTO – more than 300 cases in ten years compared to the 300 disputes dealt with during the
entire life of GATT (1947-94).