In a historic turn of events, the trial of Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, has commenced in Delaware. The younger Biden is facing three felony charges related to his alleged attempts to obtain a firearm while struggling with drug addiction in 2018. Having pleaded not guilty last September, Hunter Biden has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

For the first time in history, the son of a sitting president is facing a criminal trial. The trial follows closely on the heels of the conviction of former President Donald Trump on felony charges concerning a hush money payment made in 2016 to boost his chances in the presidential election.

Jury selection proceedings concluded recently, with both Hunter Biden and first lady Jill Biden leaving court. Opening statements are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, with FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen set to be the first witness. She will introduce text messages from Hunter Biden, excerpts from his memoir, "Beautiful Things," and other evidence.

Surprisingly, the jury selection process ran ahead of schedule, with a total of twelve men and twelve women selected as jurors. Four additional women were chosen as alternate jurors. The composition of the jury reflects a diverse range of backgrounds, with one juror being a Secret Service retiree and another having personal experience with the tragic consequences of gun violence.

Throughout the selection of jurors, their familiarity with the case was evident. Delaware, being a small state where Joe Biden served as a senator for more than three decades, meant that most prospective jurors had some level of awareness regarding Hunter Biden's legal challenges. Some had only a limited understanding of the case, while others displayed a more intricate knowledge, including details of Hunter Biden's ill-fated plea deal last summer.

The jury selection process also revealed varying views on President Joe Biden. Some prospective jurors believed that Hunter Biden's charges were influenced by his father's position as the president, while others expressed negative opinions towards the Biden family. These individuals were excused from the jury.

The jury questionnaire included inquiries about personal experiences with addiction, a subject that resonated with several prospective jurors who had been affected by drug or alcohol addiction themselves or within their families. This emphasis on addiction underscores the central theme in the case against Hunter Biden.

With the jury now seated, Judge Maryellen Noreika stated that the trial is likely to last until June 14, with the possibility of deliberations extending into the week of June 17. While both sides prepare for opening statements, the presence of first lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden's wife Melissa, and his sister Ashley Biden in court during the initial proceedings has been noteworthy.

As the trial unfolds, the nation awaits the outcome of this landmark case, which holds significant implications for both Hunter Biden and the political landscape.