Lawyers have begun to question potential jurors in the case of five men accused of plotting to kill soldiers at Fort Dix.

Judge Robert Kugler hopes to have 12 jurors and six alternates seated in time for the trial to begin Oct. 20.

About 1,500 people were summoned to jury duty last month for the case. More than half were excused immediately.

Just over 600 filled out questionnaires. Lawyers thinned the pool to about 300. Another two dozen were dismissed before questioning began Tuesday.

Questions have delved into biases against illegal immigrants, Muslims, and those in the military.

The foreign-born Muslim suspects face life in prison if they're convicted on all counts. They were arrested in May 2007. No attack was carried out.