Hypotheses are tested on the interactive influences of gender and family, and the mitigating effects of family for men and women of different race and ethnic groups. The results show that gender differences in court outcomes can be explained by defendants' familial circumstances, and that such differences are greatest for black defendants. Arguing that neither the male-centered conflict or labeling perspectives, nor the paternalism thesis capture the logic of court decisionmaking, I call for more research on how familial-based justice practices are classed, raced, and gendered. (Author abstract) 50 references.