As the denomination’s highest judicial body or "court," the Judicial Council's nine members, made up of laity and clergy, are elected by the General Conference and normally meet twice a year to consider whether actions of the various church bodies adhere to the constitution and follow the rules outlined in the Book of Discipline.

Deciding questions about the constitutionality of legislation and adherence to disciplinary processes is the work of nine men and women who sit on the United Methodist Judicial Council.