Synedrion

The synedrion (meaning: “council”) was the highest Jewish court and made religious and legal decisions. It consisted of 71 members (elders, rulers, scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees) and met under the chairmanship of the respective high priest. At the time of Jesus, the synedrion could not pass death sentences. Nevertheless, the Romans granted the synod great freedoms, especially in internal matters.