» For other meanings of the term, see executioner (disambiguation). Headsman redirects here; see The Headsman (2005 film) for the movie. A judicial executioner (not to be confused with executor) is a person who carries out a death sentence ordered by the state or other legal authority, which was known in feudal terminology as high justice. Scope and job The executioner was usually presented with a warrant authorizing or ordering him to execute the sentence. The warrant protects the executioner… (More on Executioner)