Samantha Taylor

Image of Samantha Taylor-Spring 2021 Honors in the Major Bess Ward Thesis Award Recipient.
SAMANTHA TAYLOR

Thesis:  Bias in the Courtroom: A Study on the Impact of Sexual Orientation in Mock-Trial Outcomes

Thesis Director:  Dr. Justin T. Sevier, FSU College of Law

"When I decided to participate in Honors in The Major, I was not entirely sure how it was going to go. I already enjoyed research, but I really did not have that much experience with it nor the funds to recruit many participants. I went into the whole program just hoping that it would work out. Reading about what would be required for HITM was helpful, but it did not really ease my worries about if I would succeed or not. Despite that, I allowed my curiosity to fuel my desire to conduct research. The legal system has a lot of power over individuals in this country, but those same individuals have an opportunity to use some of that power when they serve as jurors. With the guidance of Professor Sevier from the College of Law, I can evaluate if anti-gay bias has any impact on deciding trial outcomes.

When I received the Bess H. Ward Thesis Award, it really gave me the confidence I needed to continue my research project with pride. It was like a sign that told me I am on the right path and doing the right thing. It is nice to think that there are already people who support my work. Of course, my time with Honors in the Major is not over, but I already know that I will look back on the experience with gratitude and a sense of achievement."

-Samantha TaylorSpring 2021 Bess H. Ward Thesis Award Winner