Jury selection starts at the trial of three men charged under Illinois terrorism statutes with plotting Molotov cocktail attacks during the 2012 NATO summit in Chicago.
The process of selecting panelists begins Tuesday in Cook County Circuit Court. But opening statements aren't expected to take place until next week.
Brian Church, Jared Chase and Brent Vincent Betterly have pleaded not guilty to multiple counts, including arson and conspiracy to commit terrorism. They've been jailed since their arrests two years ago.
This is the first time the state terrorism laws have been used. Defense attorneys say the definition of terrorism in the statutes is unconstitutionally vague and opens the door to politically motivated charges.
If convicted, each could be sentenced to decades in prison.
