Its existence and status are uncertain and controversial, and the body has only been formally convened twice, once to try Joseph Smith in 1834 and once in 1844 when Sidney Rigdon was excommunicated in absentia.
A later revelation to Smith on January 12, 1838, revealed more instructions, because of "wicked and aspiring men", "concerning the trying of the first presidency of the Church of Latter Day Saints for transgression".
The Council determined that Smith had "acted in every respect in an honorable and proper manner with all monies and properties entrusted to his charge.
On September 8, 1844, Whitney convened a public meeting of the council[8] with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, George A. Smith, John Taylor, Amasa M. Lyman, W. W. Phelps, William Marks, Charles C. Rich, and Ezra T. Benson acting as the twelve counselors.
At the trial, "Very serious charges were made against Elder Rigdon for insubordination, for claiming to hold keys and authority above any man or set of men in the church, even superior authority and keys thereof than those held by the Twelve; and likewise he had ordained men to positions—places and offices not recognized as properly belonging to this church.