Execution

The completion, fulfillment, or perfecting of anything, or carrying it into operation and effect. The signing, sealing, and delivery of a deed. The signing and publication of a will. The performance of a contract according to its terms.

In practice

The last stage of a suit, whereby possession is obtained of anything recovered. It is styled "final process," and consists in putting the sentence of the law in force.

3 Bl. Comm. 412.

The carrying into effect of the sentence or judgment of a court. Also the name of a writ issued to a sheriff, constable, or marshal, authorizing and requiring him to execute the judgment of the court. At common law, executions are said to be either final or quousque; the former, where complete satisfaction of the debt is intended to be procured by this process; the latter, where the execution is only a means to an end, as where the defendant is arrested on ca. sa. In criminal law. The carrying into effect the sentence of the law by the infliction of capital punishment.

4 Bl. Comm. 403; 4 Steph. Comm. 470.