The term Scharfrichter (German for executioner, literally: "sharp judge") refers specifically to a tradition of executioners in the German states. Using a sword of execution, they had the responsibility of actually executing prisoners; his assistant, the "Löwe" (lion), would carry out tasks such as forcibly conveying prisoners to the presence of a judge (while roaring, hence the name), "rubbish clearance", burying unwanted bodies, and carrying out brandings.
The term Scharfrichter (German for executioner, literally: "sharp judge") refers specifically to a tradition of executioners in the German states. Using a sword of execution, they had the responsibility of actually executing prisoners; his assistant, the "Löwe" (lion), would carry out tasks such as forcibly conveying prisoners to the presence of a judge (while roaring, hence the name), "rubbish clearance", burying unwanted bodies, and carrying out brandings.
Source: Wikipedia "Scharfrichter" · CC BY-SA 4.0
Share this article: X · Bluesky