Mark 15:2

Pilate had absolute authority over Jesus’ fate under Roman law. Customarily trials such as this one took place in public. [Note: Grassmick, p. 185.] They also took place "as soon after dawn as possible because the working day of a Roman official began at the earliest hour of daylight." [Note: Lane, p. 549.] First, the plaintiffs or accusers made their charges against the defendant. Then the prosecutor, in this case Pilate, examined the defendant who could speak in his own defense, and he heard the testimony of any witnesses. Next, the prosecutor consulted with his legal advisers and finally pronounced his verdict. The execution of the sentence followed immediately. [Note: Grassmick, p. 185.]

Pilate’s question shows that the Jews had charged Jesus with claiming to be a king. Claiming to be a king was tantamount to treason against Caesar and was a capital offense. Jesus admitted that He was the King of the Jews, but He implied that He was a different kind of king than Pilate thought (cf. Matthew 27:11). John wrote that Pilate discussed the nature of Jesus’ kingship with Him further and concluded that Jesus was not guilty of treason (John 18:34-38).