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 - around 300 cases in eight years compared to the 300 disputes dealt with during the entire life of GATT (1947-94).