WTO争端解决机制中的“法庭之友”问题

WTO诸协定，特别是《关于争端解决规则与程序的谅解》（简称DSU）中没有关于法庭之友的规定。但是法庭之友主动向专家组、上诉机构提交意见，介入争端解决机制已经是不争的事实。在没有法律依据的前提下，争端解决机构对法庭之友意见采取一案一议、非连贯性的做法，引发了成员国之间激烈的争论。为了提高争端解决机构的裁定能力，建立一个更加具有预测性和透明度的体制，争端解决机构有必要对此问题予以解释和澄清，允许法庭之友在专家组阶段提交意见。

On the Issue of ＂Amicus Curiae＂ in the Dispute Settlement Body of WTO

There is no stipulation on ＂Amicus Curiae＂ under the agreements including DSU of WTO. But it is a common practice for Amicus Curiae to submit their brief to the Panels and the Appellate Body. The Dispute Settle Body adopts an ad hoc and inconsistent approach towards Amicus Curiae brief, which triggers the hot debate among WTO members. In order to improve the adjudicating capability of dispute settle body and establish a more predictable and transparent system, there is a need for dispute settlement body to have a interpretation and clarification on this issue, namely, allow Amicus Curiae brief to be submitted at the Panel Stage.