Evaluating Undue Influence: Scheflin’s Social Influence Model (SIM) as a Framework

As a result of the January 6 attempted insurrection, over 540 suspects have been identified, and at least 440 of them have been formally charged by the Department of Justice. On April 16, 2021, the first guilty plea was entered by Jon Schaffer, a member of the Oath Keepers militia group. Schaffer, who is 53 years old, is facing 30 years in prison. Some of those who were charged may decide to stand trial. If that option is chosen, they will need to present a defense. The most common reason given for participating in the failed insurrection was some variation of “President Trump told me to do it.” Does this reason fall under the legal theory of undue influence?