The study's population consisted of the cohort of all youths born in 1969 (n=10,499) who were ever referred to the Maricopa County Juvenile Court while they were juveniles. The analysis used a random sample (n=3,520) of juveniles aged 8 to 17 who were charged with delinquent offenses and who had 10 or fewer prior referrals. The cases were processed from 1977 to 1986 when the youths were between ages 8 to 17. Findings show that intake disposition at the Maricopa County Juvenile Court was determined primarily by the type and seriousness of the juvenile's prior record. Although this finding agreed with those from previous similar studies, it differed from those studies that report a significant effect of current offense on intake disposition. The intake practices of the Maricopa County Juvenile Court undermine individual justice and societal protection. Because of the slight importance attached to the current offense, this juvenile court was not an exact replica of the criminal court. The juvenile court must re-examine its function and priorities, so as to develop explicit and detailed guidelines that will ensure its practice is consistent with its philosophy. 10 tables, 14 notes, and 55 references