History in the making with debut of Donald Trump: criminal defendant

The New York trial of the former president for allegedly paying hush money to a porn star will also test US justice system

He has been businessman, TV showman and president of the United States. On Monday morning, in the sobering surroundings of a New York courtroom, Donald Trump will play yet another role in American history when he becomes the first former White House occupant to stand criminal trial.

The case, involving hush money paid to the adult film star Stormy Daniels, carries profound political and legal ramifications as the Republican runs for election against Joe Biden in November. It is a jury trial not only of Trump but of America, testing the country's checks and balances and sacred promise that no one - not even a president - is above the law.