Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilition Dale Butler is doing the rounds of the Island's courts, to see for himself how the system works.

Mr. Butler spent 40 minutes at Magistrates' Court observing the daily plea court session yesterday morning.

He then spoke with a probation officer about how social inquiry reports are compiled to assist Magistrates with sentencing decisions.

The Minister has already watched drug court at the same venue, and today will visit the monthly arraignment session at the Supreme Court.

"I'm going through the whole court system to try and get a better understanding of everything," he explained. "I wanted to beef up my own knowledge, similar to what I did at Financial Assistance where I did the financial test myself when I first became Minister in 2002."

Mr. Butler, who was accompanied on yesterday's visit by Director of Court Services Gina Hurst-Maybury, added: "I've been asking questions along the way.

"I'm constantly bombarded by the public who very often feel ill-treated by the system.

"Now I have a better idea of it and if a paper comes in recommending reform of anything, I will have a better understanding."