Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, after a certain period of time without further convictions, an ex-offender is no longer liable for not reporting or acknowledging 'spent' convictions, while those who discriminate against ex-offenders because of such convictions of make public such convictions are liable under the law and subject to sanctions. The periods before convictions become 'spent' are 7 years for prison sentences not exceeding 6 months, 10 years for prison sentences not exceeding 30 months, 7 years for borstal cases, and 3 years for detention center cases. The statute, however, has numerous exceptions in its application to occupations, particularly professional vocations and licenses. Thus, discrimination against ex-offenders is still largely allowed in many desireable occupations. Further, the length of time required for a conviction to become 'spent' is of little help to the ex-offender seeking employment and reintegration into society immediately after serving a sentence, the period known to be crucial in determining the likelihood of recidivism. What is most needed is a massive public education program that can encourage employers and the public to give ex-offenders the opportunity to become accepted community members. The law, however, does give force to such an educational effort. A list of 10 references is provided.