The study sample consisted of 2,334 juvenile court cases from 17 Ohio counties. Three decision points in the juvenile justice system were considered: detention, adjudication, and disposition. Independent variables included demographic, social, and legal dimensions. Statistical analysis revealed differential treatment of minority young people at the detention stage only and suggested the nature of the threat posed by minorities and the underclass was more symbolic than objective at the community level. The fact that race and class do not have a systematic impact on case processing decisions by juvenile courts may be a function of different social contexts in communities where juvenile cases are handled. 40 references, 7 notes, and 3 tables