Panel: Dispute Settlement System of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

This entry in the Max Planck Encyclopedia of International Procedural Law, titled Panel: Dispute Settlement System of the World Trade Organization (WTO), comprehensively covers all aspects of dispute settlement before WTO panels, as well as panel proceedings within the overall WTO dispute settlement system. This includes informal and formal consultations; the establishment and composition of panels; the sequence of proceedings; access for non-disputing parties; and the role of of the WTO Secretariat. The article also covers various elements of the panel process, including terms of reference, the standard of review, the applicable rules of interpretation, questions of evidence, the use of experts, the confidentiality of panel proceedings, panel expenses, and impartiality. It finally touches on how developing countries participate in the panel process and what the consequences are of the WTO's Appellate Body suspension.