A criminal defence lawyer is hesitant to endorse the incoming Three Strikes legislation. 

The Government is looking to re-establish the laws which will see mandatory prison sentences for violent and sexual criminals committing a third offence. 

It will only apply to sentences above 24 months and give judges more discretion. 

Lawyer John Munro told Mike Hosking that overall, the evidence is conflicting. 

He says it hasn't been enforced here long enough for studies to show whether it works, so we're relying on overseas evidence.  

Munro says some of the studies out of California say it increases crime. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• Reintroducing Three Strikes may work as a stopgap measure
• Nicole McKee: Three Strikes simply about keeping public safe
• Watch: Government brings back Three Strikes law