Trump trial live updates: Former president in court for historic hush ...

We're pausing our live coverage of the hush-money trial and will be back again tomorrow.

You had reporting from Kayla Epstein, Madeline Halpert and Nada Tawfik from court in New York, and Brandon Livesay, Phil McCausland and Jessica Murphy were editing.

History was made in Manhattan on Monday as the first criminal trial with a former or current US president as the defendant kicked off.

The day started with Donald Trump shuttling from his flat in Trump Tower to the downtown courthouse, where he denied the allegations he faces while briefly speaking to the media outside.

Scores of armed police were on hand, as lawyers for each side debated what evidence could be admitted - including aspects of the infamous Access Hollywood tape - and began to whittle down the pool of New Yorkers who might be jurors.

More than 500 prospective jurors were at the courthouse for the trial, and the first 96 were brought in as a panel to be reviewed by the prosecutors and defence attorneys.

In a matter of minutes, more than half were dismissed because they said they could not be impartial, in one of the most dramatic moments of the day.

The remaining jurors then began to share facts about themselves - including which news outlets they prefer and what podcasts they listen to - and fielded questions from the attorneys.

The judge also spoke to Trump directly to warn him about his conduct in court. He said that his "important right" to attend the trial would be removed if he disrupts the trial in any way.

Trump also faces a potential $3,000 fine for potentially violating his gag order - which does not permit him to insult or threaten - three times on social media. Justice Merchan said they would sort that issue next week.

Outside court, protesters gathered and argued with one another, though the crowd began to diminish as the day wore on.