A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 26:59

"Now the chief priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death;" — Matthew 26:59 (ASV)

Sought false witness against Jesus (εζητουν ψευδομαρτυριαν). Imperfect tense, kept on seeking. Judges have no right to be prosecutors and least of all to seek after false witness and even to offer bribes to get it.