noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
trial of a crime; conviction
Rare historical term for judging a criminal case and delivering a verdict. Used in pre-modern legal contexts.
江戸時代の奉行は、重罪の断獄を担っていた。
During the Edo period, magistrates were responsible for the trial of serious crimes.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru'
condemnation to death by beheading
Specifically refers to a sentence of execution by decapitation in historical Japanese legal practice.
その罪人は断獄の後、打ち首に処された。
After being condemned to death by beheading, the criminal was executed.