Seditious conspiracy is rarely proven. The Oath Keepers trial is a litmus test

Oath Keepers leader Rhodes allegedly purchased tens of thousands of dollars worth of weapons before the US Capitol attack. Photograph: Amy Harris/Rex/Shutterstock

Later this year the founder of the far-right Oath Keepers militia and nine alleged co-conspirators will be the first to face trial on seditious conspiracy charges related to the insurrection at the US Capitol.

The charges are significant because they allege that the January 6 attack went beyond disorderly conduct and assaults on law enforcement, instead constituting an organized and violent attempt to stop the democratic transfer of power.