A civil fraud case against former U.S. President Donald Trump and his adult sons began in New York on Monday morning.

Trump is accused by Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James of inflating the value of his assets by billions of dollars to secure better loan and insurance terms. She is seeking $250 million in penalties and a ban on Trump doing business in New York state.

Before entering the courtroom, James told reporters that "justice will prevail." 

"The law is both powerful and fragile. And today in court we will prove our case," James told reporters, adding that "no matter how powerful you are, no matter how much money you think you may have, no one is above the law."

Trump who was in court on Monday slammed the trial as a "sham". The trial is scheduled to run through December 2. 

(With input from agencies)