Final answer:
The Sanhedrin had an odd number of people to avoid ties in decisions, ensuring a majority vote could be reached, which was important for their judicial and deliberative roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sanhedrin was an assembly of Jewish religious leaders, composed of both priests and scribes, which served as a supreme council and court during the time of the Second Temple and after its destruction. There was an odd number of people in the Sanhedrin to prevent a tie in their decisions, ensuring that a majority could always be attained. This was critical for judicial proceedings and other important deliberations. The composition of the Sanhedrin reflects the complexities and divisions within Jewish society of the time, demonstrating their dedication to law and justice even amidst internal differences and the challenges of Roman rule.