Among those watching the proceedings closely is Khizr Khan, the father of an American Muslim soldier who died in the Iraq War. 

During the presidential election, Mr Khan was a prominent opponent of Mr Trump. He told the BBC's Aleem Maqbool in November he wanted the president-elect to condemn "un-American hate".

Image source, AP

Image source, Getty Images

Asked about his former statements on Hillary Clinton's email scandal, Sen Sessions was asked if he could approach the Clinton "situation" impartially.

Sen Sessions said: "I do believe that that could place my objectivity in question.

"I believe the proper thing to do would be for me recuse myself" from any investigation involving Hillary Clinton, he replied.

Mrs Clinton has been cleared twice by the FBI over her use of a private email server while secretary of state.

"Will you be able to say 'No' to the president?" Sen Sessions is asked.

He replies affirmatively.

When asked further what would be his options if the president persists, the senator says that he would resign rather than do something which is "plainly unlawful".

Sen Sessions has now finished his opening statement, and is being questioned by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

In the last part of his opening statement, Sen Sessions directly laid out a commitment to justice for minority groups.

"I deeply understand the history of civil rights and the horrendous impact that relentless and systemic discrimination and the denial of voting rights has had on our African-American brothers and sisters. I have witnessed it. 

"I understand the demands for justice and fairness made by the LGBT community. 

"I will ensure that the statutes protecting their rights and their safety are fully enforced.

"I understand the lifelong scars born by women who are victims of assault and abuse."  

In closing, he declared: "I am ready for this job. We will do it right."

In a departure from his published transcript, Sen Sessions has directly addressed some of the controversy surrounding him.

"I was accused in 1986 of failing to protect the voting rights of African Americans," he told the hearing, something he said was "demonstrably untrue".

He said his office had investigated the Perry County electoral situation at the request of African-American elected officials, and tried to protect their voting rights, rather than infringe on them.

He also directly addressed those - such as the earlier protesters - who tried to link him to the KKK.

"I abhor the clan and what it represents, and its hateful ideology," he said.

Sen Sessions says that America's law enforcement officers feel that the political leadership has abandoned them in recent years. 

They have been unfairly maligned and blamed, he says, for the unacceptable actions of a few bad actors. 

He stresses that "morale has suffered" as a result, saying that the number of police officers killed in the line of duty increased 10% in 2015; and firearms deaths were up 68%. 

"This is a wake-up call," Sen Sessions says. 

Image source, AP

"If I am confirmed, protecting the American people from the scourge of radical Islamic terrorism will continue to be a top priority of the Department of Justice," Sen Sessions said.

On Twitter, Donald Trump's incoming press secretary has critcised the vocal protesters.

Referencing a tweet from one of his colleagues, who labelled such action as "why democrats lost", Sean Spicer said Democrats should "denounced these tactics from their side ASAP".

Buzzfeed's Zoe Tillman, who is in the room, counts seven people removed since the hearing began.

Sen Sessions vows to prosecute those who repeatedly violate US borders "vigorously" and "immediately". 

And addressing the issue of illegal drugs, he says that America is "the throes of a heroin epidemic, tripling between 2010 and 2014. 

"We must not lose perspective when discussing these statistics," he stresses.

Sen Sessions pledges to be "worthy of this office".

"I'm a man of my word. I'm committed to the rule of law," he says, adding: "I love the Department of Justice."

Cameron Joseph from the New York Daily News shares more video of the protesters at the hearing:

Following those interruptions, Sen Sessions has returned to his prepared statement - which is available online, external.

"He or she must be willing to tell the president 'no' if he overreaches. He or she cannot be a mere rubber stamp. He or she also must set the example for the employees in the department [of justice] to do the right thing," he said.

"The message must be clear: Everyone is expected to do their duty."  

Yet another protester interrupts proceedings, chanting "No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA".

He interrupted Sen Sessions' opening remarks briefly, and was removed - but almost instantly the chant was taken up again.

That protester was also removed.

Sen Sessions has now been sworn in to give testimony. 

He begins by greeting everyone, and talking about his family.

He also says he is "humbled" to receive support from all America's law-enforcement agencies.

A Washington Post reporter tweeted from the chamber:

Image source, Other

Meanwhile, Sen Sessions looked relaxed, sitting next to his wife as the statements were delivered.

He was seen smiling and waving to a girl in the hall.

He's now taking the stage himself.

After Sen Feinstein, a Republican senator, Susan Collins, lauded Mr Sessions's record, calling him "a dedicated public servant".

She said he is the same "genuine, fair-minded person" in private that he is in public.

Another protester is pulled from the room, causing a brief interruption to proceedings.

"Do not vote for Jim Sessions", she yelled. The senator's name is Jeff Sessions.

Sen Feinstein concludes by asking: "Will he (Sen Sessions) be independent of the White House? Will he say 'No' to the president?"

She stresses that there is "deep concern and anxiety" among Americans about what the Trump administration will bring.