Yes, some believe it began in 76 BC and the last binding Sanhedrin was 358 AD. Jesus lived between 5/4 BC to 31 AD.
Nicodemus
Because that is something that never happened. The complete lack of record of Jesus in the Talmud highlights that he was of no concern to the Sanhedrin.
Sanhedrin
to let water pass over the gills
No he was arrested by the Sanhedrin, a council of Jewish judges.
Blasphemy, which is not punishable by death during that time.
No! The sanhedrin didn't believe Jesus had ever came back to life, that's why they demanded that the Romans persecute the Christians because the Christians told everyone that Jesus had risen from the dead.
This was the like the church court. They wanted to find Jesus guilty
Caiaphas was not a member of the Sanhedrin but served as the high priest in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. The Sanhedrin was the supreme council and tribunal of the Jews, and as high priest, Caiaphas played a significant role within it, particularly in the trial of Jesus. His position allowed him to influence the council's decisions and actions.
It means : a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin who became a secret follower of Jesus.
Joseph Ciaiphas
The short version: The scribes and Pharisees wanted him dead because they were loosing their power because of what Jesus had said against them. They took him to the Sanhedrin to try him for blasphemy, and found him guilty. Under Roman rule the Sanhedrin could not use capitol punishment, and so the Sanhedrin took him to Pilate. The Romans did not consider blasphemy a sin and would not have killed Jesus for it. The Sanhedrin knew this and changed their story claiming that Jesus was supporting anarchy and treason by claiming himself king of the jews, which the Romans would put someone to death for. Pilate was going to release Jesus, but was blackmailed into letting the mob have Jesus.