DATA FROM A SAMPLE OF PERSONS ARRESTED FOR MURDER SUGGEST THAT THE STEREOTYPE OF THE VIOLENT OFFENDER, THE 'NORMAL PRIMITIVE', CONSTITUTES AN OFFICIAL IMAGERY WITHIN WHICH LEGAL DECISIONS ARE MADE. PATH ANALYTIC TECHNIQUES INDICATE THAT CONFORMITY TO THE CRIMINAL CONCEPTION, ALONG WITH THE SOCIAL CLASS OF THE DEFENDANT, HAS SIGNIFICANT CONSEQUENCES FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF PUBLIC COUNSEL, DENIAL OF BAIL, AND A PLEA OF GUILT BEFORE THE JUDGE. LACK OF ACCESS TO LEGAL RESOURCES, IN TURN, PRODUCES THE MORE SEVERE CONVICTIONS AWARDED BY THE COURT. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)...KAP